THE  LIBRARY  OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 


rv 


FROM  THE  BOOKS  OF 

WILLIAM  P.  JACOCKS,  M.D. 

CLASS  OF  1904 
FRIEND  OF  THE  LIBRARY 


C6 

H  52.3m  I 


A  Y  TUSSLE 
WITH  THE  DEVIL 

JND    OTHER   STORIES 


By 
O.   HENRY'S   GHOST 


% 


VC7/ 


I.    M.    Y.    COMPANY 

NEW    YORK 

1918 


Copyright,    1918. 
by    I.    M.   Y.    Company 


Q[i|e  larrase  3itt 


I 


FEEL  I  cannot  give  O. 
Henry's  Ghost  better  am- 
munition with  which  to 
meet  his  critics  than  a  bit 
of  truth  voiced  by  Joan  in  one  of 
Algernon     Blackwood's     wonderful 

books. 

"The  beloved  dead  step  nearer 
when  their  bodies  drop  aside.  They 
know  where  they  are  and  what  they 
are  doing.  It's  not  for  us  to  worry 
— in  that  way.  And  they  are  out  of 
hours  and  minutes/' 

To  meet  the  onslaught  of  you,  Mr. 
Scoffer  and  Mr.  Skeptic,  who  will  say, 
"Impossible!  They  are  not  a  bit  like 
O.  Henry's  stories!  They  lack  all  his 
virility,  etc.,  etc."  I  say  at  once, 
of  course  they  are  different!  Where 
before  his  stories  were  w^ritten  in 
the  bold  black  and  red  of  human 
passions,  which  belong  to  materiality, 

3 


4  MY  TUSSLE  WITH  THE  DEVIL 

now,  tJiey  must  of  necessity  be  pastel 
in  hue  and  delicate  gossamer  things, 
for  O.  Henry's  Ghost  is  using  finer 
material  to  mold  his  creations.  The 
land  where  he  dwells  is  subject  to 
a  different  rate  of  vibration,  and  as 
the  rhythm  must  be  totally  unlike,  it 
is  natural  that  the  thoughts  should 
flow  and  take  form  in  the  vehicle  of 
poets. 

But  one  characteristic  is  dominant 
still — the  completeness  of  each  Pas- 
tel. Not  a  word  more  is  needed  to 
complete  a  picture  or  convey  an  emo- 
tion, and  while  the  aspiration  of  O.' 
Henry's  Ghost  has  changed  and  he 
deals  with  higher,  finer  forces  and  de- 
sires, he  still  retains  his  mastery  of 
the  short  story. 

Attack  from  all  sides,  if  you  will, 
but  the  only  guns  you  can  fire  are,  "I 
believe"  and  "I  think,"  which  shall 
bring  forth  in  reply  the  bomb  "I 
KNOW!!" 


THE   BARRAGE   FIRE  S 

Because  the  spirit  known  as  O. 
Henry  came  before  the  curtain  on  this 
particular  stage  in  the  garb  of  heavy 
woolen  materiality,  thundering  vivid, 
scarlet  tales,  is  no  reason  why,  having 
made  his  exit, — after  playing  out  his 
role, — he  should  not  return  in  a  dif- 
ferent characterization  and  in  chiffon 
garb. 

If  he  is  not  recognized  in  the  new 
one  upon  his  entrance  it  is  no  evi- 
dence that  the  same  spirit  does  not 
animate  both,  and  the  perfection  of 
detail  and  artistry  in  both  characteri- 
zations is  convincing  proof  of  the 
same  dominant  spirit. 

While  the  stories  necessarily  re- 
flect in  their  style  the  high  aspira- 
tion that  prompted  them,  they  prove, 
as  O.  Henry's  Ghost  so  vividly  re- 
marked, that  a  leopard  can  change  its 
spots. 

Flashes  of  the  O.  Henry  who  wrote 
**The  Man  About  Town"  are  found 


6         MY  TUSSLE  WITH  THE  DEVIL 

in  the  bits  of  personal  conversation 
from  O.  Henry's  Ghost,  and  the  old 
and  new  are  blended  in  the  following 
birthday  greeting:  '*!  give  you  my 
gladsome  wish  for  a  comrade  and 
gratitude  for  opening  the  doors  to  a 
scrivener.  If  it  was  the  olden  days 
I  should  have  been  foolish  enough  to 
say  'Have  a  drink  to  celebrate/ 
Now  I  shall  tell  you  to  take  a  whiff 
of  ambrosia  fit  for  gods  and  shall 
join  you  with  a  gladsome  spirit. 
Here's  how!" 

The  sledge  hammer  blows  wielded 
by  the  personality  of  O.  Henry  can 
only  dull  to  insensibility  and  bring 
forth  a  murmur  of  "I  think"  and  ''I 
believe,"  while  the  darting  shafts  of 
O.  Henry's  Ghost  will  pierce  the 
clouds  and  bring  forth  the  chorus  of 
"I  know"  to  those  who,  having  eyes 
— see — and  having  ears — hear! 

It  is  today  the  same  as  when  Plato 
said: 


THE    BARRAGE   FIRE  7 

"Strange  times  are  these  in  which  we 

live,  forsooth : 
When  old  and  young  are  taught  in 

Falsehood's  School ! 
And  the  one  man  who  dares  to  tell 

the  Truth 
Is  called  at  once  a  'Lunatic'  and  'Fool.'  " 

But  at  any  rate,  they  go  forth  at 
the  request  of  O.  Henry's  Ghost  and 
with  the  belief  that  the  beauty  of 
thought  will  be  a  joyful  remembrance 
of  one  who  was  known  as  O.  Henry. 

Parma. 


June  27th,  1918. 
158  Ocean  Boulevard, 
Atlantic  Highlands, 
New  Jersey. 


Contents! 


Comments ^^ 

Over  There ^^ 

Foreword ^^ 

My  Tussle  With  the  Devil     ...  41 

The  Contest 5/ 

Sleeping ^^ 

Yearning '^ 

Animals — 

Weariness—  I.     The  King  ...  87 

11.     The  Toiler     .     .  88 

The  Slave 91 

Flowers — 

Missionaries 101 

Jewels — 

Multitudes 107 

Remembrances 113 

Munitions 119 

Going  Home 127 

My  Hearth 135 

The  Three  H's 143 

The  Senses 161 

9 


10       MY  TUSSLE  WITH  THE  DEVIL 

Fancies — 

Fancies       167 

Trusting 170 

Thoughts 171 

Thinking 172 

Yesterday — Today 177 

Action — Reaction 189 

A  Vision 195 


Comments 


Comments; 

THE  COMING  OF  THE  STORIES 

ROM  the  first  we  used  the 
Ouija  Board  not  as  a  toy, 
but  as  a  serious  medium 
through  which  we  received 
guidance  in  our  affairs  and  teachings 
of  the  Great  Law  of  Life,  for  which 
we  were  searching.  We  were  de- 
termined to  have  only  the  truth,  and 
so  we  ehminated  the  frivolous  and 
deceiving,  who  are  ever  on  the  watch 
for  the  ignorant  user  of  the  "Board" 
— to  amuse  themselves  with  his 
credulity,  or  through  sheer  devilish- 
ness  to  lead  him  to  disaster — material 
and  spiritual. 

Those  with  whom  we  talked  were 
Great  Invisible  Teachers — who  were 
on  the  Earth  plane  to  help  humanity 

— and  a  close  relative  whose  develop- 

13 


14       MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

ment  we  followed  with  intense  inter- 
est, and  to  whose  advice  in  .critical 
moments  we  owe  much. 

This  was  the  situation  when  early 
in  September,  1917,  we  were  told  that 
if  we  would  sit  at  the  "Board"  each 
afternoon  about  four-thirty  o'clock, 
with  a  positive  determination  to  re- 
ceive only  that  which  was  worth 
while,  and  shut  the  door  at  once  to 
anyone  whose  offerings  did  not  reach 
a  high  standard,  we  would  receive 
things  that  would  surprise  us. 

Accordingly,  on  September  18, 
1917,  we  waited  results — they  came 
as  follows: 

''My  little  talent  I  suppose  you  will 
consider  insnfficient/' 

"Who  are  you?"  we  asked. 

''Useless  to  give  name/'  came  the 
answer.  "If  you  do  not  knozv  when 
the  story  is  finished,  it  is  N.  G." 

"I  zvish  to  tell  the  world  zvhat  is 
theirs  for  the  asking.     To  try  and 


CO}fMF.XTS  15 

give  them  a  new  viewpoint  in  place 
of  their  erroneous  ideas/' 

'7  did  not  know  as  much  then  as 
I  do  nozv.  Before  I  zvrote  zvhat  the 
Self  sazv  only — nozf  it  is  zvJiat  I 
know/' 

''We'll  take  a  chance — go  ahead/' 
I  said. 

Then  followed  a  story  called  'The 

Contest." 

How  do  we  know  it  was  the  spirit 
of  O.  Henry?  We  wall  let  the  rec- 
ord speak  for  itself.  The  truth  al- 
ways carries  conviction,  except  to 
minds  the  doors  of  which  are  double- 
barred. 

It  was  evidently  the  first  time  this 
Spirit  had  used  a  Ouija  Board,  for 
he  was  not  sure  of  the  location  of 
the  letters,  and  after  the  first  para- 
graph saidr 

''My  force  is  insufficient ;  it  tires 
me  to  spell  each  zvord  so  slozvly.'' 

We  told  him  to  go  as  fast  as  he 


16      MY   TUSSLE  WITH  THE  DEVIL 

liked.  He  soon  learned  how  to  apply 
his  force,  and  all  went  smoothly. 

When  the  story  ended,  I  wrote  the 
name  ''O.  Henry"  on  a  slip  of  paper 
and  asked  if  I  had  guessed  correctly. 
The  reply  w^as  ''Yes.'' 

We  were  so  impressed  with  the 
story  that  I  said,  **It  is  good  enough 
for  the  Atlantic  Monthly." 

The  comment  was,  '7/  they  take  it, 
my  revenge  would  be  complete.  That 
is  for  the  'Elite'  I  did  not  belong." 

The  next  day  came  first  what  was 
evidently  a  title,  ''My  tussle  zuith 
the  Devil" 

We  asked,  "Who  is  speaking  to- 
day?" 

''An  imaginative  fellow/'  was  the 
reply. 

"Is  it  the  same  with  whom  we 
talked  yesterday?"  we  asked.  "Yes; 
it  is  a  joy  once  more  to  zveave  a  plot." 

A  little  later,  when  the  work  was 
resumed  after  an  interruption  of  sev- 


COMMENTS  17 

eral  days,  O.  Henry's  Ghost  began 
with : 

'7  am  glad  to  see  you" 

"Did  you  miss  us?" 

''That's  whatr  was  the  answer. 

The  day  was  rainy  and  the  story 
rather  serious,  or  so  it  impressed  us, 
for  we  asked: 

"Why  don't  you  give  us  a  cheer- 
ful story?" 

His  reply  silenced  further  sugges- 
tions.    It  was: 

"Kindly  allow  me  to  express  what 
I  feeir 

O.  Henry's  individuality  was 
clearly  marked  from  the  first  and  we 
had  no  doubt  about  his  genuineness, 
but  an  incident  which  occurred  one 
afternoon  may  serve  to  convince  the 
skeptical. 

Several  times  we  had  been  both- 
ered by  the  interruptions  of  a  boy 
Spirit  called  William  Mumm,  who 
was  possessed  with  an  over-developed 


18      MY  TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

sense  of  humor.  Often  we  knew  that 
O.  Henry  was  being  crowded  by 
others  who  thought  that  they  should 
be  given  a  chance  to  express  them- 
selves, and  once  or  twice  the  writing 
stopped  until  things  quieted  down. 
On  this  occasion  Mumm  broke  in 
with,  "Henry  is  giving  too  many  or- 
ders." 

On  being  told  in  a  forceful  way 
what  we  thought  of  his  interference, 
he  said,  "My  word!  That  was  a  hot 
shot!  I  won^t  butt  in  again:" — and 
he  didn't. 

Later,  when  we  asked  O.  Henry 
whether  others  were  present,  he  said, 
"They  are  hanging  around,  hut  not 
hutting  in/' 

As  we  got  better  acquainted,  there 
was  more  conversation  of  a  personal 
nature  before  the  story  for  the  day 
was  started. 

To  the  question  whether  before  he 
"crossed  over"  he  had  had  any  real 
Truth,  he  said: 


COMMENTS  19 

''No,  my  teaching  was  hell  and 
damnation^' 

We,  of  course,  were  curious  to 
know  how  he  discovered  us.  His  an- 
swer was  in  Hne  with  what  we  had 
been  taught — that  each  person  ap- 
pears as  a  Hght,  shining  with  in- 
creasing brilHancy  as  one  learns  the 
Truth  and  lives  it.    He  said: 

''Letting  your  light  so  shine  led  me 
here — /  desired  to  tell  what  I  felt  and 
knew,  and  sought  an  avenue;  your 
beacon  beckoned  me,  and  your 
teacher  bade  me  enter/' 

Once  when  we  mentioned  a  finan- 
cial pressure  he  said: 

"That's  the  only  hell  there  is  on 
earth — that  and  lack  of  love  which 
sends  one  to  rum  shops/' 

After  another  break  in  our  work 
with  the  stories,  we  were  welcomed 
with: 

"It  has  been  a  long  time  since  we 
have  talked.    I  wish  you  joy." 


20      MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

To  our  usual  question  ''who  is  with 
us?"  came  the  answer: 

'7  was  called  Henry" 

A  glimpse  into  conditions  on  the 
"other  side"  was  given  when  we 
asked  O.  Henry  whether  he  had 
found  a  friend  of  whose  "passing 
over"  we  had  told  him. 

*'No"  he  replied;  '7  have  not 
found  him.  He  must  be  resting,  and 
we  make  it  a  point  never  to  disturb, 
for  the  rest  periods  are  of  the  most 
importance  and  hasten  growth.  I 
shall  watch  for  him  when  he  makes 
his  mansion." 

"What  do  you  mean  by  that?"  we 
asked. 

"In  the  beginning  of  life  here  we 
■make  little  progress — unless  knowl- 
edge of  the  Truth  has  been  ours  be- 
fore coming  over.  That  is  why  it  is 
so  necessary  to  learn  before  leaving 
the  Earth  Sphere,  Without  that 
one  must  wander  aimlessly  or  rest 


COMMENTS  21 

and  gaze  at  things  of  the  past — and 
our  associates  are  other  unfortunates 
who  have  had  closed  ears  before  leav- 
ing. 

"When  one  has  reviewed  a  certain 
number  of  lives — or  generally  a  se- 
quence of  events — then  comes  a  ten- 
der friend  who  points  out  advantage- 
ous work  and  study,  and  which,  if 
followed,  always  means  the  beginning 
of  progress  and  growth.  It  is  only 
after  that  has  been  made  use  of  that 
we  begin  our  mansion  or  abiding 
place. 

''Keep  it  always  in  your  mind,  the 
foundation  stones  are  Knowledge, 
Wisdom,  Power — and  then  it  is  built 
by  the  thought  and  desire  of  Aspira- 
tion, Beauty  and  Love. 

'7  want  to  impress  upon  you  and 
all  mankind  the  necessity  of  'Know- 
ing,' and,  what  is  more  to  the  point, 
'Believing.' 

"If  you  will  lend  me  your  pencil. 


22      MY   TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

most  generous  person,  I  may  be  able 
to  say  all  I  want.  Now  it  seems 
as  if  I  never  would  be  able  to  get  rid 
of  it  all. 

'*If  you  would  publish  a  magazine 
it  would  be  a  ^hummer.'  The  trouble 
is,  there  is  no  periodical  which  has 
any  one  back  of  it  zvho  KNOWS. 
They  all  prattle  and  the  almighty  dol- 
lar is  the  main  thing.  Truth  would 
bring  them  faster  than  anytJiing  if 
they  would  only  believe  it.  Let's 
work  it  out!  It  would  be  great!  Now 
to  work,  if  you  don't  mind. 

''In  a  sunny  nook  by  a  babbling 
brook  I  have  built  my  mansion.'' 

O.  Henry  was  very  enthusiastic 
over  the  idea  of  a  magazine.  Refer- 
ring to  it  again,  he  said,  ''Call  it  the 
Sphinx."  Get  at  it  at  once.  Have  it 
contain  only  tales  which  teach,  and 
Wisdom." 

Once  when  he  talked  on  until  late 
in  the  evening,  and  we  became  tired, 


COMMENTS  23 

he  said,  when  the  lateness  of  the  hour 
was  mentioned: 

''It  is  all  the  same  here;  I  forget. 
My  impatience  is  still  that  stumbling 
block.  With  many  thanks — good 
night/' 

One  rainy  day  we  were  ready 
earlier  than  usual  and  O.  Henry  was 
evidently  in  exceptionally  good  hu- 
mor, greeting  us  with: 

''Well,  this  is  a  surprise!  It's 
bully  r 

"Kind  of  nice  in  here.  We  do  not 
feel  the  rain,  but  we  like  sunshine  bet- 
ter.'' 

One  story  we  received  was  not  up 
to  the  O.  Henry  standard,  and  we  did 
not  hesitate  to  say  so.  Our  views 
must  have  been  rather  more  force- 
fully expressed  than  we  realized,  for 
he  said: 

. .  "I  have  read  and  had  many  criti- 
cisms of  my  stories  before,  but  they 
never  came  as  hard  or  as  fast  as  this 
one.    Wipe  it  out." 


24       MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

With  that  he  redictated  the  last 
half  of  the  story,  changing  it  com- 
pletely and  to  the  satisfaction  of  all. 

With  his  next  story  we  were  par- 
ticularly pleased,  and  on  our  saying 
so,  he  said: 

7  thank  you  and  am  glad  you  really 
like  it.  Have  to  watch  my  P's  and 
Q's  now  or  I  will  lose  my  publisher. 
It  is  great  to  he  compelled  to  do  one's 
best.  It  means  the  continuation  of 
aspiration.  Lying  Spirits  do  not 
aspire.  Having  publishers  who  will 
accept  nothing  but  the  truth  and  only 
the  best  one  is  capable  of  is  a  bit  of 
a  novelty.  Pity  there  are  not  more 
of  them  for  material,  as  well  as  spir- 
itual fiction.  You  might  get  Hoover 
to  add  that  plan  for  conservation  of 
paper  and  ink.  If  we  over  here  had 
more  publishers  like  you  there  would 
be  more  truth  spread  broadcast.  The 
trouble  is  most  of  the  offices  accept 
anything,  just  so  it  has  a  name  at- 
tached. 


COMMENTS  25 

"Whafs   in   a   name? — Nothing'' 

''What's  in  a  Truth? — Every- 
thing." 

Unless  the  Spirit  moving  the  indi- 
cator on  the  board  is  an  advanced 
soul,  having  great  power,  he  usually 
draws  from  the  persons  he  is  work- 
ing through.  This  O.  Henry  was  at 
times  forced  to  do,  and  so  we  under- 
stood, when  one  day,  instead  of  start- 
ing a  story  he  said : 

"Your  teacher  says  you  hesitate  to 
tell  when  you  are  tired.  Better  to 
have  a  perfect  pen  for  two  lines,  than 
none  at  all  for  twenty.  Tell  me  the 
moment  you  become  fatigued.  There 
is  time  for  the  lot.  If  you  are  de- 
pleted through  my  coming,  it  will  he 
curtailed,  if  not  stopped,  and  that 
would  he  too  dreadful!  Much  better 
a  half  a  loaf  at  a  time  than  none  at 
all.  Please  tell  me.  Your  teacher 
thinks  you  have  sufficient  without 
zvhat  I  am,  dictating   but  feels  that  it 


26      MY   TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

is  worth  while  providing  you  are  not 
in  any  way  injured  by  the  work.  I 
so  want  to  have  the  opportunity.  Do, 
kind  person,  tell  me  and  let  ns  go 
slower.  Last  night  I  chattered;  no 
reason  for  it  at  all,  except  the  pleas- 
ure of  doing  it,  and  you  were  tired, 
the  teacher  says,  before  I  began." 

We  agreed  to  be  more  careful,  and 
O.  Henry  said: 

"That's  a  bargain.'' 

In  speaking  of  the  many  plots 
crowding  his  mind  and  which  he 
wanted  to  express,  he  said: 

"Riches  are  a  burden  at  times.  I 
wish  to  rid  myself  of  them.  Quick 
returns  will  follow.  With  much  ma- 
terial off  my  mind  I  shall  be  able  to 
develop  much,  more  worth  zvhile. 
Hurry!  Life  takes  up  so  many 
hours." 

Before  starting  a  series  of  stories 
of  a  different  nature  from  those  given 
first,  he  said: 


COMMENTS  27 

''My  wish  is  to  widen  the  horizon. 
It  is  important  for  humanity  to 
know.  It  must  recognise  the  oneness 
of  everything.  We  will  write  of 
more  than  man.  I  will  give  a  series. 
First  Beasts — then  Flowers  and 
Jewels/' 

When  these  stories  were  completed, 
everything  seemed  to  conspire  to  pre- 
vent the  devoting  of  a  quiet  hour  to 
O.  Henry  and  his  stories.  Whenever 
constructive  work  is  done,  by  which 
the  Truth  may  be  brought  to  many, 
the  forces  of  destruction  are  arrayed 
in  opposition.  This  we  felt  to  the  full. 
Twice  stories  were  started  and 
stopped  after  only  a  few  paragraphs 
had  been  written.  In  one  it  was  evi- 
dent that  O.  Henry  had  been  pushed 
aside  and  a  complete  sentence  injected 
by  some  "Power  of  Darkness."  We 
at  once  realized  the  situation  and  put 
the  "Board"  away. 

When  next  O.  Henry  came,  he 
said: 


28      MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

"The  time  has  been  long.  Why 
keep  the  Muse  silent?  I  am  simply 
overburdened  with  plots." 

When  asked  the  cause  of  the  breaks 
in  the  last  story  he  said: 

"I  find  there  are  still  a  number  of 
people  who  believe  they  know  better 
how  to  write  my  stories  than  I  do. 

This  last  time  it  was  'Fiends/  It  is 
important  you  keep  the  door  closed 
by  demanding  you  receive  only  the 
truth — for  that  prevents  their  taking 
definite  hold." 

About  this  time  there  appeared  in 
the  papers  notices  of  moving  pictures 
made  from  the  O.  Henry  stories.  We 
asked  him  what  he  thought  of  them, 
and  his  answer,  concise  as  usual, 
was: 

''Foolish  rehash  of  yesterday's 
ignorance." 

In  commenting  on  how  few  be- 
lieved and  how  difficult  it  would  be  to 
find  a  publisher,  O.  Henry  answered: 


COMMENTS  29 

"My  belief  is  you  will  have  to  do 
it  yourself  ultimately,  if  you  cannot 
find  some  one  zvho  is  independent. 
The  trouble  is  that  in  a  concern,  one 
may  believe,  while  the  rest  of  the 
company  do  not  yet  see." 

The  conditions  of  everyday  life  be- 
came worse.  We  were  able  to  snatch 
only  a  few  minutes  with  O.  Henry 
and  asked  him  if  he  felt  the  confu- 
sion. 

"It  is  a  regular  whirlpool,  he  said ; 
the  boat  rocks.  Until  you  can  have 
quiet  I  think  it  would  be  wiser  to 
postpone  trying  to  write.  My  wish 
is  added  to  yours,  for  if  all  disturb- 
ance is  eliminated  we  can  then  accom- 
plish a  great  deal  without  effort." 

On  New  Year's  eve  we  received 
greetings  from  those  with  whom  we 
had  been  closely  associated  in  work, 
and  last  of  all  came  O.  Henry.  He 
said: 

"I  do  not  belong,  but  I  may  come 
to  the  party,  may  I  not? 


30      MV   TUSSLE  WITH  THE  DEVIL 

'7  am  content  to  wait  until  it  will 
be  only  a  pleasure  to  hold  converse 
and  when  we  can  relax  to  a  real  con- 
fab. 

''They  are  good  stories,  if  I  do  say 
it — but  they  cannot  believe  in  a  leop- 
ard changing  his  spots.  Out  upon 
that  spot! 

''An  amazing  thing  that  the  stolid 
English  are  more  awake  spiritually 
than  Americans,  ivho  have  not  yet 
been  touched  vitally.  Some  day 
they  will  awake  and  arise — and  I 
hope  then  I  can  take  part  in  the  pro- 
cession. 

"My  greetings  and  all  aid  possible 
for  the  year  to  come.'' 

Several  weeks  later  he  said: 

"This  is  the  first  opportunity  I 
have  had  to  hold  'mind'  with  you. 

"Interesting  expression  that,  ivhen 
one  realises  how  true  it  is  that  mind 
is  the  only  real  point  of  contact,  al- 
though when  on  your  plane  we  speak 


COMMENTS  31 

only  of  the  physical  nearness  of 
others. 

"Is  it  true  that  the  hour  is  to  be 
re-estahlishedf  If  that  is  the  case, 
we  oiigJit  to  turn  out  something  zvorth 
while/' 

On  being  told  that  the  poem, 
"Sleeping,"  which  he  had  given  us, 
was  to  be  read  to  the  Poetry  Society, 
it  seemed  to  appeal  to  his  sense  of 
humor,  for  he  said: 

^7/  /  was  not  to  all  appearances 
dead,  that  would  be  my  death.  I  shall 
have  a  fearful  attack  of  stage-fright. 
I  do  hope  they  zvon't  call  'Author!' 

'7  like  this  house.  It  is  so  restful 
and  harmonious.  It  is  a  smiling  island 
of  loveliness  in  a  black  sea  of  pitch. 
I  shall  stretch  here  at  ease  tonight 
and  rest  and  live  happily.'' 

A.  Houghton  Pratt. 


O.  Henry's  Ghost  Answers  the  Ques- 
tions of  a  Newspaper  Man  Re- 
garding ''Over  There'* 

O  he  desires  to  know  how 

we  folks  Hve? 
Queer !  the  idea  humanity 

hugs  to  its  breast  of  how 
different  life  must  of  necessity  be 
over  here. 

Tell  him  that  at  present  it  is  New 
York  at  its  worst,  on  a  day  of  cele- 
bration,— with  streets  crowded,  peo- 
ple pushing  in  all  directions,  friends 
meeting,  exchanging  greetings  and 
passing  on.  To  us  life  is  the  same, 
with  the  exception  that  now  time  is 
no  longer  a  factor. 
'  Our  emotions  are  the  same — until 
we  learn  the  wisdom  of  eliminating 
all  unworthy  ones. 


34       MY   TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

Our  desires  the  same — only  now 
they  are  satisfied  almost  immediately. 
We  desire  to  eat  and  we  have  food. 
All  is  the  same,  only  of  finer  material, 
not  so  dense. 

It  is  as  if  we  were  in  airships  above 
you — seeing  all,  comprehending  all, 
and  yet  unable  to  make  you  hear. 
To  the  few  are  given  ears  attuned 
to  hear  and  eyes  which  behold,  but 
humanity  as  a  whole  is  blind. 

If  you  could  by  any  method  make 
the  world  realize  that  to  us  here  each 
and  every  THOUGHT  affects  us 
more  poignantly  than  all  the  sen- 
tences uttered  and  that  we  are  up- 
lifted and  made  joyous  by  each 
thought  of  love  sent  out,  no  matter 
to  whom,  all  hate  would  vanish  from 
the  earth. 

Clothing?  Just  the  same  as  ever, 
only  we  are  glad  to  discard  the  old 
garments  for  new  ones  more  beauti- 
ful, after  we  have  been  here  for  a 


OVER   THERE  35 

while,  and  when  that  desire  comes, 
the  material  is  at  hand  with  which 
to  create  new  garments.  Verily,  over 
here  thoughts  become  things  quickly. 

There  are  those  here  who  do  not 
aspire  for  newer  or  better  things,  and 
so  they  remain  in  their  same  condi- 
tion. 

Aspiration  is  the  force  here  which 
pushes  you  on  to  better  and  greater 
achievements 

Houses  ?  Certainly  we  have  them ; 
each  one  to  his  liking,  for  he  builds 
it  as  he  desires,  with  the  aid  of  others ; 
all  lend  helping  hands  over  here, 
and  life  becomes  a  proper  mixture 
of  work,  play  and  study. 

Yes,  there  are  places  where  hate, 
envy  and  all  the  evils  still  hold  sway, 
and  if  those  are  the  things  which 
you  enjoy,  you  dwell  in  that  locality. 

Whatever  you  in  your  soul  desire 
you  receive.  Ask  and  it  is  given  you ; 
seek  higher  and  you  find;  and  it  is 


36      MY   TUSSLE  WITH   THE  DEVIL 

truly  to  be  said :  "As  a  man  thinketh 
so  he  receives  and  is/' 

Naturally,  people  of  the  world  are 
going  to  say  "O.  H.  cannot  write 
from  above — if  what  he  says  is  true, 
he  would  be  below."  Having  spent 
several  years  in  Hell — on  earth — 
after  I  arrived  in  this  country  I  was 
mighty  glad  to  change  my  environ- 
ment when  I  discovered  where  I  had 
been  dwelling, — ^and  that  there  was 
no  need  of  remaining,  unless  I 
wished, — so  I  gave  notice  to  the 
landlord  I  was  moving  at  once. 

The  earth  is  a  pretty  poor  place 
when  you  make  a  hell  out  of  it,  and 
it  might  be  a  heaven  if  we  would  only 
have  faith,  love  and  aspire. 

The  world  is  on  a  precipice  and 
New  York  is  tottering  on  the  edge  I 
Will  you  wake  up  and  save  yourselves 
or  will  you  once  more  be  swept  away 
by  the  flood? 


jforetoorb 

"I  wish  to  tell  the  world  what  is 
theirs  for  the  asking. 

To  try  and  give  them  a  new  view- 
point— in   place   of   their    erroneous 

ideas. 

Before,  I  wrote  what  the  Self  saw 
Quly — now  it  is  what  /  know," 


37 


in?  (IvaUt  tuitf)  tfie  Bebtl 


i¥lp  tlTu^sile  tDtti)  tte  Bebtl 


T  was  the  hour  when  souls 
simply  cling  to  their  bodies 
by  the  merest  thread — 
when  I  met  His  Satanic 
Majesty. 

He  is  well  named,  for  he  is  majestic 
in  every  sense  of  the  word — majestic 
of  mien — majestic  of  gesture,  of  ex- 
pression, and  a  god  to  look  upon. 

He  is  a  deceptive  person,  for  one 
meeting  him  casually  would  think  he 
was  one  of  the  great  and  good  men 
of  the  day — abroad  on  errands  of 
mercy  and  with  kindness  in  his  heart 
for  all  humanity.  So  carefully  does 
he  conceal  his  identity  that  he  resem- 
bles most  of  mankind — who  are  one 
person  to  themselves  and  quite  an- 
other to  the  world  of  men. 

We  met.  He  knew  me,  but  I  had 
not  yet  had  the  pleasure  of  knowing 

41 


42       MY   TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

this  majestic  lord — or  thought  I  had 
not — ^and  so  was  flattered  when  he 
accosted  me  and  made  me  welcome. 

"I  was  told  you  were  coming,  and 
so  came  to  meet  you,"  he  said,  with  a 
smile  of  geniality.  "We  hoped  to 
have  greeted  you  earlier." 

"Just  a  minute,"  I  said.  "Who  are 
you?    Who  told  you  I  was  coming?" 

Making  a  sweeping  gesture,  and 
ignoring  my  questions,  he  continued : 

"Our  land  is  fair — as  you  see — but 
there  are  many  wonders  which  I  de- 
sire to  show  you.  Wonders  which 
are  unheard  of — not  even  dreamt  of 
— and  which  will  make  you  desire  to 
remain  among  us,  I  feel  confident." 

With  this,  my  arm  was  taken  in 
friendly  fashion,  and  we  proceeded 
up  an  avenue  lined  with  trees  perfect 
in  form  and  foliage — passed  hand- 
some houses,  with  playing  fountains, 
flowers,  and  birds  in  abundance. 

With    a    magnificent    gesture    he 


MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL      43 

swept  all  this  out  of  the  way.  "The 
homes  of  our  servants.  We  enter 
now  the  domains  of  those  who  rule 
and  where  we  hope  you  will  abide." 

The  turn  of  the  street  brought  us 
to  an  estate  situated  on  the  crest  of 
a  magnificent  mountain.  Winding 
roads  of  dazzling  whiteness  and 
smoothness  led  through  a  garden  of 
flowers  and  wonderful  trees.  Run- 
ning streams  made  music,  and  the 
song  of  birds — with  brilliant  plum- 
age. 

With  no  word  spoken — but  many 
implied  by  gesture  and  nod — we 
reached  at  last  the  mansion.  Trans- 
parent— the  walls  seemed — heavy  the 
air,  with  perfume.  It  was  a  palace 
of  dreams — resting  in  the  hollow  of 
my  hand. 

With  a  smile  of  winning  sweet- 
ness he  said : 

"This  is  yours.    Will  you  rest?" 

"Mine!     For  w^hat?"  I  exclaimed. 


44      MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

"Do  you  give  palaces  like  this  to  all 
your  visitors?" 

"Not  to  all,"  he  answered;  "only  to 
our  favored  ones." 

"Why  am  I  so  favored,  then? 
What  have  I  done  to  bring  me  this?" 

"Nothing,"  he  answered,  ''as  yet, 
but  we  have  hopes  of  great  things 
from  you.  We  expect  you  will  be 
of  great  benefit  to  us;  will  aid  us  in 
promoting  our  cause." 

"And  how?"  I  queried. 

"Come,  let  us  sit  and  sup  and  we 
will  talk  it  over." 

Leading  me  gently  forward,  we  en- 
tered a  banqueting  hall,  where  costly 
viands  and  sparkling  wines  reposed 
among  flowers;  and  gold  and  silver, 
and  ruby  and  diamond,  sapphire  and 
emerald  decked  each  goblet — while 
behind  our  places  were  fair  women, 
who  smiled  and  breathed  perfume 
upon  the  air. 

Too  dazed  to  remonstrate,  I  took 


MY   TUSSLE   WITH    THE   DEVIL       45 

my  place,  and,  unconscious  of  what 
I  did,  sipped  my  wine  from  its  jew- 
eled goblet. 

Lifting  his  wine,  he  said :  "To  our 
better  acquaintance — our  Brother- 
hood, I  hope." 

"To  our  better  acquaintance,  cer- 
tainly— but  what  do  you  mean  by 
Brotherhood?" 

"That  I  will  explain.  In  this 
mountain  fastness  there  is  a  secret 
abode,  which  only  the  elect  can  en- 
ter, and  where  the  members  set  in 
motion  great  events  and  accomplish 
great  deeds.  We  have  need  of  one 
like  you  to  assist  us." 

"What  do  you  feel  I  can  do?"  T 
asked.  "My  talents  are  slight.  I  do 
not  comprehend  my  selection." 

"Ah !  That  is  not  to  be  wondered 
at — for  you  have  not  correctly 
gauged  your  talents  and  ability. 

"Do  you  realize  that  you  have  the 
greatest  talent  ever  known — in  one 
direction?" 


46       MY   TUSSLE   WITH  TIL     DEVIL 

"What!"  I  gasped. 

"Quite  true!     I  will  tell  you. 

"In  the  beginning  you  were  pre- 
sented, by  lesser  gods,  with  a  talent 
for  love  of  everything,  with  love  for 
the  pure,  for  the  true,  for  the  beau- 
tiful. You  aspired  to  be  one  of  the 
unknown  workers  for  humanity — to 
create  beauty,  in  poem  and  song;  to 
weave  for  them  music  which  would 
make  life  an  ecstacy. 

To  scatter  happiness  was  your 
ambition.  Jealousy  was  unknown  to 
you,  and  envy  a  w^ord  you  never  even 
thought  of. 

Kindness  was  your  pass-word  in 
the  realm  from  which  you  came — ^but 
we,  who  were  observing  you,  recog- 
nized a  power  much  greater  than  you 
knew — a  power  to  work  results  magi- 
cal in  their  effect — and  so  we  came 
near  you  and  sought  to  make  your 
better  acquaintance. 

You  were  a  shy  bird,  difficult  to 


MV  TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVH.      47 

catch,  however,  and  it  took  us  many 
eons  of  time  before  we  finally  won 
your  confidence." 

**What  was  this  great  ability?"  I 
interrupted. 

"You  wish  to  know  ?  That  is  well, 
for  I  see  we  shall  be  able  to  work 
more  harmoniously  if  your  interest  is 
aroused,"  he  replied.  "I  will  tell  you. 
It  was — but  why  should  I  say  *it  was,' 
rather,  it  is  still,  the  great  gift  you 
possess,  and  which  we  desire  to  have 
you  give  to  us  in  all  its  fullness.  Let 
us  review  a  bit  what  use  you  made 
of  it. 

First,  you  were  disappointed  in 
the  love  of  the  woman  whom  you  de- 
sired, and  so  began  its  development — 
until  love  for  man  or  woman  had  no 
place  in  your  heart. 

Then  commenced  your  clear  vision, 
which  showed  you  the  evil  which 
was  in  all  minds  and  hearts,  and 
you    recognized    no    one    could    be 


48      MY   TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

trusted.  Ultimately,  you  nearly  per- 
fected that  branch  of  your  gift,  and 
so  had  an  honored  seat  at  our  coun- 
cil table — and  we  desire  you  again  to 
take  your  place  at  its  head.'* 

"But  why?"  I  interrupted,  ''did  I 
lose  that  exalted  seat?" 

"Alas!"  he  answered,  "you  went 
back  to  your  old  habits.  An  animal 
was  the  cause  of  your  downfall — a 
mongrel  cur!" 

"You  interest  me,"  I  said.  "Ex- 
plain how  that  occurred." 

"You  were  in  a  forsaken  village — 
having  lost  your  way  and  wandered 
there — and  without  food.  Little  by 
little  your  strength  left  you,  and  you 
lay  down  under  a  tree,  with  all  hope 
abandoned.  A  rustle  in  the  dead 
grass  aroused  you,  and  presently  a 
tiny,  mangy  dog  crept  up  and  licked 
your  hand. 

The  relief  from  the  loneliness  was 
so  great  that  you  foolishly  took  the 
cur  in  your  arms." 


MY   TUSSLE  WITH   THE  DEVIL       49 

"Foolishly!"  I  exclaimed. 

"Yes,  foolishly;  for  that  was  the 
beginning  of  your  loss  of  power. 
True,  the  animal  led  you  out  to  safety 
and  warmth,  eventually.  But  what  a 
seed  was  sown! 

Where  before  the  harvest  was 
well-nigh    perfect,    it    now   had    the 

weeds  of  Pity  and  Gratitude So 

do  the  mighty  fall! 

That  was  a  fatal  sowing  and  reap- 
ing for  you,  for  it  even  affected  your 
view  of  men.  You  commenced  to  see 
in  them  bits  of  character  before  un- 
seen. Such  useless  things  as  Con- 
sideration, Love  and  Pity! 

Your  habits,  too,  were  affected  by 
this  poisonous  weed.  Where  before 
you  had  been  perfect  in  all  ways  vile, 
you  now  commenced  to  give  up  some 
of  the  most  brilliant  jewels — betrayal 
of  women — the  excitement  and  joy  of 
perfect  and  exhilarating  wines.  Why! 
you  even  went  so  low  as  to  prefer 


50      MY   TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

Sparkling  waters  from  Nature's 
sources." 

Holding  my  jeweled  goblet  high,  I 
laughed  and  said:  "To  what  depths 
can  man  sink!*' 

"Ah!  I  rejoice  to  see  you  agree 
with  me.  It  is  well'  We  shall  suc- 
ceed together  admirably,  I  feel  sure," 
he  made  answer. 

Then,  drawing  closer  to  me,  "Now 
to  our  desires  and  agreement." 

"By  all  means,"  I  replied.  "I  am 
eager  to  hear  your  plan.  For,  cer- 
tainly, if  this  domain  is  part  of  the 
reward,  it  interests  me." 

"Good!  That  is  better,"  he  re- 
plied. 

"When  you  first  left  our  abode  and 
joined  with  others,  who  had  contrary 
beliefs,  we  felt  it  was  final — but  as 
we  watched  and  studied  your  soul — 
for  you  know,  of  course,  souls  are 
clearly  visible  to  us — and  saw  there 
was  within  it,  still,  the  desire  to  con- 


MY   TUSSLE  WIT}{   THE  DEVIL       51 

tinue  as  one  of  us,  I  was  given  the 
task  of  keeping  alive  that  seed,  and 
adding  to  its  force,  so  that  in  time  a 
bountiful  harvest  might  repay  us. 

We  feel  that  time  has  arrived. 

As  I  told  you,  this  palace,  with  all 
it  contains,  its  vault  of  priceless  gems 
— such  as  are  on  your  goblet,  these 
fair  women,  and  hundreds  like  them, 
are  yours.  Any  honor  you  feel  you 
desire  shall  be  granted,  and  you  shall 
be  the  lord  of  whatsoever  you  desire 
to  possess." 

At  this  I  glanced  around  the  hall. 
Looked  at  the  smiling  faces — slender, 
voluptuous   forms — at  the  sparkling 
gems — at  the  vista  which  was  spread 
before  me  through  the  open  windows 
— and  then  I  mused  upon  what  I  could 
possess  in  addition — all  honors  what- 
soever   I     desired.      Coming    back, 
finally,  to  a  study  of  His  Majesty's 
face,  I  found  his  eyes  fixed  upon  me. 
"Will  you  accept?"  he  asked. 


52       MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

"That  is  a  little  mystery,  too,  of 
yours,  is  it  not?  You  ask  if  I  will 
accept  all  that  counts  in  the  world, 
but  you  have  not  yet  told  me  what  I 
am  to  do  for  it  all.  Tell  me  that  side 
of  the  mystery/'  I  replied. 

"Only  a  simple  thing! 

Renew  your  association  with  us 
and  take  the  leadership  of  the  band 
which  is  ready  to  go  forth  and  sow 
broadcast  the  seeds  which  are  so 
much  craved  by  the  world.  The 
seeds  of  Hate,  of  Malice,  of  Licen- 
tiousness, of  Cruelty. 

Helps  us  to  rid  the  world  of  gay- 
ety  which  is  simple  and  wholesome. 
Help  us  to  give  them  a  greater  ex- 
citement. Let  us  arouse  the  idea  of 
hunting  within  their  breasts — but 
children  for  game — not  birds,  which 
are  only  beautiful  and  give  song, 
that  would  be  tame  sport! 

Take  the  lead  and  aid  us  to  sow 
Revenge  broadcast." 


MY   TUSSLE  WITH  THE  DEVIL       53 

**Is  that  all?"  I  queried. 

"All  for  the  present,"  he  answered. 
"Later,  new  things  can  be  brought  to 
successful  issue,  if  you  desire.  But 
that  will  satisfy  our  Brotherhood  for 
the  present." 

"Let  us  drink  to  our  unity,"  he 
said,  raising  high  his  glass  and  look 
ing  with  flashing  eyes  into  mine. 
I  rose  to  my  feet,  goblet  high. 

"To  our  Brotherhood !"  I  shouted ; 
"May  it  be  annihilated  forever!" 


site  Content 


Ill  ■' 


Wtt  Contest 

Yucatan — Time :    Midnight 

FE  met  Death  in  the  room 
of  Joe,  who  lay  on  a  bed 
in  the  corner,  with  a  pain- 
racked  body. 
Suspense  as  to  the  visitant  made 
him  almost  unconscious,  yet  thor- 
oughly cognizant.  It  was  as  if  some 
part  of  his  brain  stopped,  while  the 
rest  leaped  away  from  the  body — 
then,  with  a  whirl  which  made  him 
reel,  leaped  back  again. 

Gazing  at  him  from  a  chair  which 
stood  in  front  of  the  fire  was  a  softly 
clad  woman.  In  her  hands  was 
myrtle  and  thyme,  which  made  mys- 
terious shadows  upon  the  wall. 

His  humble  room  seemed  decorated 
by  a  master  hand.  Each  individual 
article  took  on  a  luster  hitherto  un- 
known. 

57 


58      MY   TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

With  a  movement,  however,  his 
eyes  were  brought  back  to  the  door, 
through  which  a  figure  slowly  en- 
tered. It  was  radiant  with  a  light 
which  dazzled.  Entering  slowly,  it 
stopped  at  the  foot  of  his  bed  and 
said,  in  a  voice  sweeter  than  any  mu- 
sic ever  heard. 

"I  am  Death !  Will  you  come  with 
me  to  a  Summerland  where  there  is 
only  joy,  and  pain  is  unknown?" 

"Death!"  he  gasped.  "You,  Death! 
But  you  do  not  look  as  I  thought 
Death  did!    You  are  beautiful!" 

"Yes,"  replied  the  figure,  "I  am  the 
most  beautiful  of  all,  except  one,  but 
my  gifts  are  more  beautiful  than  all. 

I  bring  surcease  from  trials,  free- 
dom from  pain,  shelter  from  all 
storms  and  peace. 

I, — who  am  so  much  feared  by 
mankind, — have  only  joy  and  happi- 
ness. 

Make  ready  and  come  with  me! 


THE   CONTEST  59 

I  promise  you  all  you  have  ever 
longed  for — sunshine,  flowers  and 
beauty." 

Keeping  his  eyes  riveted  on  the  fig- 
ure, Joe  sat  erect  and  said: 

"How  am  I  to  know  you  are  not 
fooling  me?  You  don't  look  like 
Death.    I  don't  believe  you!" 

The  figure  smiled. 

"That  is  not  unusual,"  it  replied, 
"for  men  have  a  false  idea  of  me. 
They  think  I  am  old  and  hideous  and 
take  from  them  all  they  hold  dear. 

They  do  not  know  I  give  them  all 
they  have  earned  and  bring  them  the 
solace  of  retrieving  all  past  errors. 

I  give  them  the  opportunity  of 
seeing  how  and  why  they  failed. 

I  watch  their  silly  strivings  for 
wealth,  their  many  useless  mansions, 
their  hates  and  loves — which  are  only 
envy  in  fancy  dress — knowing  the 
time  will  come  when  they  will  be 
obliged  to  open  the  door  to  me. 


60       MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

Some  welcome  me,  for  they  have 
built  their  mansion  and  know  it  only 
awaits  their  coming;  that  joy  and 
happiness  are  theirs — love,  free  from 
all  malice,  and  beauty  in  every  form. 

They  welcome  me,  because  they 
have  built  their  home  on  rock  and  it 
stands  with  door  open  to  receive 
them,  and  they  are  not  afraid,  but 
rejoice. 

"Others,  however,  fear  me  and  re- 
fuse to  look  at  me,  saying,  *You  are 
ugly!  Go  away!'  And  they  shut 
their  ears  and  refuse  to  be  com- 
forted. 

They  are  afraid,  for  they  have  no 
mansion  to  which  to  go,  but  are  home- 
less and  feel  that  they  are  outcasts. 
Why?  Not  because  of  me,  but  be- 
cause they  have  forgotten  to  prepare 
their  mansion  and  so  are  homeless 
and  beggars.  They  cling  to  worn-out 
trumpery,  keeping  much  more  from 
them  than  they  possess. 


THE   CONTEST  6t 

Give  up  this  mansion  of  yours  and 
come  and  follow  me  to  new  fields 
which  are  filled  to  oversowing." 

Joe  still  stared,  too  much  overcome 
to  reply,  when  from  the  chair  by  the 
fire  a  figure  arose. 

It  was  clad  in  soft  clinging  gar- 
ments, with  a  veil  which  hid  the  face, 
and  the  voice  was  deep  and  harsh, 
with  an  undertone  of  sadness. 

"Wait!  Not  yet  can  he  give  you 
his  answer.  He  must  choose  between 
us." 

At  this  Joe  turned  his  eyes  toward 
the  new  speaker,  and  seemed  to  find 
once  again  the  ability  to  speak. 

"Who  are  you?"  he  asked. 

"Life!"  the  figure  replied.  "Life! 
With  all  its  dreams,  its  passions,  its 
joys.  Life!  which  has  given  you  all 
your  pain  and  misery.  Life!  which 
has  snatched  from  you  all  your  youth, 
your  joy,  and  given  you  only  disillu- 
sionment ! 


62       MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

Life!  which  promised  you  happi- 
ness, health,  wealth,  fame! 

Life!  which  dances  and  sings  and 
has  no  need  for  tomorrow.  Will  you 
stay  with  me?  See!  I  hold  out  to 
you  healing  herbs  that  will  bring  for- 
getfulness  and  give  you  power  to  go 
on  and  achieve  what  you  desire. 

See !    I  offer  you  fame ! 

You  shall  be  able  to  sit  above 
others, — to  cast  them  forth,  to  spit 
upon  them.  You  shall  be  lord  of  the 
cities.  Fairest  women  shall  smile  and 
caress  you;  men  shall  sue  you  for  rec- 
ognition.  Will  you  stay?" 

Joe  made  a  motion  of  assent. 

There  w^as  a  moment's  stillness, 
then,  with  a  laugh  which  froze  his 
blood.  Life  said: 

'^Again  I  win,  and  your  beauty  and 
your  gifts  are  spurned.  Death! 
Again  I  win." 

Death  smiled  and  said :  "I  am  con- 
tent.   Show  him  your  face!" 


THE   CONTEST  63 

At  this  command  the  figure  began 
to  unwind  from  the  head  the  drapery 
which  had  enveloped  it,  and  Joe,  with 
staring  eyes,  looked  into  a  hollow 
shell,  a  skeleton! 


Sleeping 


Sleeping 

Gangs 

In  suits  of  gray 

Worked  upon  the  highway 

In  a  Southern  State. 

Stones 

Were  their  companions, 

Coarse  food 

Their  nourishment. 

Cruelty 

Met  often  with  Greed 

A^nd  Fear 

Lived  with  Hatred, 

When  Love 

Sought  entrance 

On  a  night 

In  June, 

Trying 

All  the  entrances 

Unavailingly, 

And  tiring  at  last. 


68      MY   TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

Kindness  came 

And  whispering 

In  Love's  ear 

Said: 

''Down  the  road 

You  will  find  open  several  houses. 

Better  go! 

I  will  watch  here." 

Love 

Gave  thanks, 

And  with  bounding  steps 

Went  gayly  to  the  Highway. 

The  sun 

Was  hot 

And  the  stones  were  sharp, 

But  the  time  for  rest  was  near. 

And  a  little  ripple 

Was  running  along  the  highway, — 

A  tiny  little  wave 

Of  Joy. 

Love 

Seeing  this, 


SLEEPING  69 


Danced  with  glee 
And  began  to  sing: 
"Come  with  me 
Where  the  flowers  bloom 
And  birds  make  music 
All  the  noon. 

Sunshine 

Dances, 

Girls  give  glances 

To  the  moon. 

Friends 
Take  chances, 
Gay  their  fancies, 
Come  with  me." 

Startled 

Glances  went  down  the  line, 

And  Love  swept  on 

To  the  end, 

Seeking 

Entrance  in  each  heart 

And  sending  thrills 


70      MY   TUSSLE  WITH   THE  DEVIL 

With  delight, 

Until 

To  each  one 

Passed  the  word 

"Love  is  here!" 

Backs 

Grew  straighter, 
Faces  brighter, 
Down  the  line. 

God 

Crept  nearer 

Saying  : 

"Come  with  me! 

Take 

No  chances 

With  the  sleepers — 

Come  with  me!" 

And  down 
The  highway 
Swept  the  summons, 
"Come  with  me!" 


SLEEPING  71 


Gray  garments 

Changed 

To  gold, 

And  only 

Hatred 

And  Fear 

Were  left  uncalled 

From  their  sleep. 


fearnmg 


learning 

|HE  lamps  on  the  street 
throw  fitful  shadows  upon 
the  pavements,  which  glis- 
ten with  many  raindrops. 

Walking  slowly,  with  bent  shoul- 
ders and  bowed  head,  is  a  man  with 
slightly  graying  hair.  Round  and 
round  the  square  he  walks,  glancing 
neither  to  the  right  nor  left,  until 
finally,  wearying,  he  crosses  the 
street  and  enters  a  house  where  the 
curtains  are  closely  drawn. 

Bits  of  smilax,  rose  leaves  and 
trodden  violets  can  be  seen  about  the 
steps,  and  as  he  opens  the  door,  the 
air  is  charged  with  escaping  perfume. 

With  a  hasty  glance  at  the  heavy 
draperies  which  conceal  the  opening 
to  the  room,  he  mounts  hurriedly  the 
stairs,  and  with  trembling  hands 
turns  the  knob  of  a  door. 

75 


76      MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

Gently  he  pushes  it  wide,  and  the 
soft  gleam  of  the  lamp  plays  upon 
the  silken  draperies  of  a  woman's 
room. 

No  sound  breaks  the  stillness  as  the 
man  closes  the  door  and  with  a  heart- 
broken cry  throws  himself  upon  his 
knees  by  the  bedside. 

His  frame  shakes  from  head  to 
foot  as  his  arms  are  thrown  across 
the  bed  which  had  so  recently  held  all 
his  world. 

At  last,  worn  out  by  the  battle,  his 
body  relaxes,  and  released  from  its 
leash,  the  spirit  meets  the  occupant 
of  the  room 

Clasped  in  his  arms,  with  gentle, 
loving  fingers  she  strokes  his  face  and 
says : 

"I  am  still  here  with  you — always, 
as  you  are  now  with  me." 

His  clasp  tightens  as  he  sobs : 

"I  thought  that  you  were  dead — 
that  you  had  left  me." 


YEARNING  77 

"Loving  you,  how  could  I  leave 
you?"  she  answered.  "And  there  is 
no  such  thing  as  death  i  One  only 
changes ! 

I  am  just  as  you  are  now;  and  as 
we  have  been  each  night  we  have 
gone  out  together.  The  only  change 
is  that  during  a  few  hours  you  go 
back  to  the  world  of  business,  while 
I  wait  for  you  in  the  land  of  art 

Dry  your  eyes,  beloved,  for  when 
you  weep,  you  keep  me  from  creating 
the  beautiful  things  we  have  longed 
for.  All  the  material  is  here  at  my 
hand,  but  I  must  be  free  to  work. 

The  clocks  of  the  city  are  strik- 
ing the  hour  for  you  to  begin  your 
work  and  for  me  also.  Go  now !  And 
tonight  we  will  tell  each  other  of  what 
we  have  accomplished.'* 

The  striking  of  the  hour  breaks  the 
stillness  of  the  room,  and  the  man  by 
the  bedside  stirs  and  then  gazes  with 
unseeing  eyes  at  the  empty  bed  and 


7^      MY   TUSSLE  WITH  THE  DEVIL 

the  room  with  its  softly  glowing 
lamp. 

A  well-remembered  perfume  floats 
upon  the  air  and  his  hair  is  brushed 
as  by  a  fairy  wind. 

With  arms  outstretched,  he  rises 
to  his  feet. 

"Tell  me  it  is  true!  That,  if  it  was 
a  dream,  that  dreams  are  the  truth 
of  life!  Give  me  some  sign  that  I 
may  know,  my  darling.  I  must  know ! 
I  must!     Give  me  some  little  signl" 

As  he  gazes  at  the  curtain  which 
conceals  the  doorway,  there  is  a  faint 
rustle  of  silken  drapery,  and  a  shadow 
seems  upon  it  for  just  a  moment. 

The  lamp  burns  low,  the  man  sits 
motionless. 

"Was  it  true?  Was  it  a  sign,  or 
was  it  only  a  movement  by  the 
wind?" 

II. 

Seated  on  the  sidewalk,  crying  bit- 
terly, is  a  small  boy,  holding  in  his 
arms  a  dog. 


YEARNING  79 

The  grief  of  the  child  attracts  a 
passer-by,  who  questions: 

"What  is  the  trouble,  little  man?" 

Between  sobs,  the  child  explains 
that  he  missed  his  pet  and  found  it  in 
the  road. 

"He  didn't  come  when  I  called.  He 
always  minds.  And  now  he  doesn't 
tell  me  anything!    Why  doesn't  he?" 

"Let  me  see,  little  man,"  says  the 
stranger,  and  stoops  to  take  the  dog, 
which  the  boy  clasps  more  tightly. 

Putting  his  hand  on  the  child's 
head:  "Poor  little  man!  I  am  soiry, 
but  your  little  friend  will  never  do 
any  of  those  things  again,  for  he  is 
dead." 

With  a  cry  of  joy  the  child  jumps 
up,  and  says : 

"Is  that  it?  Well,  that's  all  right; 
for  now  he  will  always  stay  where  I 
am. 

'  With  a  quick  gesture  the  man  put 
out  his  hand  and  caught  the  child. 


80      MY   TUSSLE  WITH  THE  DEVIL 

"What  do  you  mean  by  that  ?  Why 
are  you  happy,  now,  when  I  tell  you 
he  is  dead?" 

Gazing  upward  at  the  man*s  face, 
the  child  answers: 

"Why!  Mother  told  me  so.  She 
says  there  is  no  death — there  only  is 
another  life — and  when  we  love  any 
one  very  much  they  never  leave  us. 

She  says  that  when  its  daylight 
we  cannot  see  them  because  they  are 
so  beautiful,  but  that  at  night  we  can, 
when  we  go  to  sleep — and  that's  our 
real  life — when  we  think  we  are  only 
sleeping." 

The  man  clutched  at  the  child  al- 
most wildly. 

"You  beheve  that,  little  man?" 

"Of  course!  It's  true!  Now,  I 
must  take  Fido  to  mother,  for  she 
knows  what  to  do  to  make  him  beau- 
tiful— and  then  tonight  we'll  play 
hide-and-seek,  as  we  were  going  to^ 
this  morning." 


YEARNING  81 

With  a  happy  and  joyous  "good- 
bye" ringing  in  his  ears,  the  man 
gazed  at  the  little  figure  flying  down 
the  street. 

"I  wonder!  Yes!  It  was  a  sign, 
for  is  it  not  said — *A  little  child  shall 
lead  them!'" 


Animals; 


My  wish  is  to  widen  the  horizon. 
It  is  important  for  humanity  to  know. 
It  must  recognize  the  oneness  of 
everything. 

We  will  write  of  more  than  man. 

I  will  give  a  series :  First — Beasts : 
then,  Flowers  and  Jewels. 


&s 


I.— THE  KING 

ACING  forward  —  back- 
ward —  backward  —  for- 
ward, to  and  fro — a  King. 
With  world  weary  eyes 
he  gazes  out  of  his  window  in  search 
of  his  souFs  desire. 

Before  him  a  seething  mass  of 
heads,  with  eyes  riveted  upon  him. 
Immovable,  he  stands  and  contem- 
plates them. 

Of  what  do  they  think? 
Have  they  souls  which  long  and 
cry  out,  day  and  night,  for  liberty? 

Or  are  they  satisfied  with  the  nar- 
row ring  in  which  they  move? 

Do  they  know  the  joy  of  freedom: 
of  vast  expanses? 

A  surge  of  hatred  passes  through 
him  and  he  has  a  longing  to  slay  that 

87 


88      MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

sodden  mass.  Then  it  passes,  and 
with  a  weary  movement  once  more 
he  paces  to  and  fro. 

Of  what  does  he  think? 

Does  he  know  that  once  again  has 
been  enacted  an  old  drama  and  a 
King  sold  into  captivity,  or  does  he 
feel  that  it  should  be  said : 

"Forgive  them,  for  they  know  not 
what  they  do.'* 

11.     THE    TOILER 

Up  —  down  —  down  —  up — from 
early  morn. 

Up — down — with  slow  and  steady 
strides,  until  the  rich  brown  earth 
holds  up  eager  hands  to  receive  its 
gifts. 

Up — down  —  down — up — wearih- 
plods  the  Toiler  until  the  sun  is  high, 
when,  with  a  long-drawn  sigh,  the 
time  of  rest  is  welcomed. 

A  bit  of  shade,  a  refreshing  drink, 


WEARINESS  89 

and  a  little  rest   before  the  weary 
round  begins  again. 

Up  —  down  —  down — up — day  in 
and  out. 

"  ^Monotonous/  you  say?  Yes!  if 
only  the  thought  of  the  weary  rounds 
IS  held.  Compensation  comes  from  a 
pat  on  the  neck,  which  tells  of  appre- 
ciation and  affection  and  the  knowl- 
edge of  being  a  necessary  part  of  the 
whole.  The  harvest  /  sow  is  reaped 
and  lessens  in  other  lands  the  harvest 
of  the  Reaper. 

"Up  —  down  —  down  —  up,  with  a 
stronger  pull,  for  I  am  doing  my  bit, 
and 

"  To  him  who  is  faithful  in  small 
things  much  shall  be  given.'  " 


I. 

EAR  the  door  sits  an  im- 
pressive looking  man. 

''It    is    growing    dark, 
mademoiselle;  just  turn  up 
the  light/' 

The  interior  is  flooded  with  light  at 
this  command. 

In  a  far  corner  lies  a  spaniel,  gaz- 
ing with  pain-stricken  eyes  at  the 
man.  He  is  too  worn  in  spirit  to  do 
more  than  give  a  feeble  move,  now 
and  then,  to  first  one  ear  and  then  an- 
other. But  worn  and  spent  as  he  is, 
his  eyes  are  alert  for  movement  on 
the  part  of  the  man,  and  as  the  man 
rises  from  his  chair,  the  dog  utters 
a  faint  cry  of  fear  and  begins  to 
shake;  but  his  trembling  gradually 
ceases  as  the  man  goes  in  the  opposite 
direction,  and  he  closes  his  eyes  in 
complete  weariness. 

91 


92       MY   TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

Each  moment  has  seemed  hours  to 
him,  for  fear  has  dragged  at  his  soul. 

What  new  torture  awaited  him 
when  that  huge  form  moved — to 
what  unknown  horror  was  he  to  be 
compelled  to  submit? 

Helpless — chained — and  too  weak 
to  fight,  he  was  at  the  mercy  of 
THAT,  which  sat  in  front  of  him. 

It  looked  like  his  beloved  master  in 
form,  but  the  voice  was  different  and 
the  touch 

At  the  thought  of  the  hand  which 
had  caressed  him  only  two  days,  or 
was  it  two  years  ago,  he  gave  a  little 
whimper,  which  was  quickly  stifled 
as  he  recalled  that  the  slightest  move 
on  his  part  brought  that  which  gave 
him  only  misery — pulling,  testing, 
delicate  nerves  pressed,  and  pain  in- 
describable. 

Silence  reigns,  and  at  last,  worn 
out,  he  closes  his  eyes  and  sleeps. 

Once  more  he  is  in  a  room  where 


THE  SLAVE  93 

Sparkles  a  glowing  fire,  and,  with 
ears  alert,  listens  for  a  well-known 
step.  Joy  permeates  him  as  it  comes 
nearer  and  nearer,  and'then  the  door 
opens. 

With  a  waving  of  banner  and  joy- 
ous greeting  he  leaps  to  meet  a  caress 
and  welcome: 

"Well,  old  boy!  Glad  to  see  me? 
Bring  me  my  slippers.  There's  a 
good  fellow." 

The  joy  of  taking  some  part  of  that 
dear  one  close  to  him  and  carrying 
it  where  he  knew  it  belonged!  The 
excitement  of  returning  and  hearing 
"Right  you  are,  old  boy!  now  the 
other,''  and  then  the  delicious  sense 
of  work  well  done  and  the  praise 
earned,  and  the  happiness  and  joy 
of  the  hand  on  his  head,  while  both 
relaxed  to  the  warmth  of  the  fire. 

A  sudden  pang  of  pain  rouses  him, 
and  the  remembrance  is  shattered 
and  dismay  takes  its  place. 


94      MY  TUSSLE  WITH  THE  DEVIL 

What  has  happened?  All  he  can 
recall  is  standing  on  the  doorstep, 
waiting  for  that  promised  walk,  and 
suddenly  a  jerk,  and  he  is  flying- 
through  the  air  and  is  thrust  into  a 
black  and  yelling  mass  of  his 
brothers. 

Then  a  brilliantly  lighted  place  and 
a  gruff  voice,  which  says: 

"That's  the  one.  He's  a  thorough- 
bred.   Bring  him." 

Running,  darting  this  way,  that 
way,  snapping  at  his  brothers  who 
bar  his  escape,  he  dashes  here,  there, 
everywhere,  looking  in  vain  for  an 
outlet,  only  to  be  cornered  at  last, 
with  the  same  kind  of  a  jerk  which 
had  torn  him  away  from  his  door- 
step. 

"Put  up  a  fight,  didn't  he?  The 
experiment  will  be  all  the  more  inter- 
esting now,  for  the  nerves  are  ex- 
cited." 

Then,   straps   and   buckles   which 


THE  SLAVE  95 

held  him  down,  and  cruel  wires  which 
prevented  his  breathing,  and  then 
THAT  which  was  at  the  back  of  the 
room,  standing  over  him  with  shin- 
ing things,  and  then  such  pain  as 
made  him  forget  all  things  as  he  sank 
down — and  down — and  down ! 

With  a  start;  he  realizes  there  has 
been  a  movement  in  the  room,  and  a 
shadow  looms  toward  him.  In  vain 
to  shrink — to  avoid  that  hand  which 
will  soon  be  upon  him,  for  he  is 
chained  and  unable  to  move. 

What  new  terror  awaits  him? 

His  heart  beats  to  suffocatioxi  and 
his  eyes  seek  dumbly  for  aid. 

Nearer  and  nearer  comes  the 
shadow,  and. he  abandons  all  hope, 
and  with  a  cry  of  despair  his  body 
relaxes,  as  a  figure  looms  over  him. 

Again  the  fi relit  room  and  a  loved 
voice : 

"Come,  boy!  Let's  to  bed  and 
sleep." 


96      MY  TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

With  a  mighty  struggle  he  forces 
the  spirit  to  rise,  and  once  more  opens 
his  eyes,  to  find  the  fire  Hght  vanished 
and  the  loved  voice  silent — only  a 
looming  doom  with  shining  things 
over  him,  and  a  voice,  angry  with 
thwarted  ambition. 

"Too  late!     He's  dead." 

But  a  spark  of  the  spirit  still  lin- 
gers in  the  body,  and  the  faithful  eyes 
see  a  fi  relit  room  and  a  beloved  form, 
and  with  a  farewell  wave  of  his  ban- 
ner, obeys  the  command: 

"Let's  sleep!" 


THE  SLAVE  V7 

FREEDOM 
II. 

Worn  and  weary,  a  man  enters  a 
room  where  a  fire  burns  upon  the 
hearth. 

Throwing  himself  into  a  chair,  he 
glances  at  the  vacant  rug  at  his  feet, 
and,  with  a  sob  in  his  voice,  says: 

"Old  Boy !  No  slippers  for  me  to- 
night by  my  old  faithful." 

No  sound  breaks  the  stillness,  and 
he  gazes  forelornly  towards  his  room. 

Then  he  sits  erect — rigid,  for 
through  the  door  comes  a  dearly 
loved  figure,  head  high  and  banner 
waving  in  anticipation  of  "Well 
done,  good  and  faithful  servant,"  and 
love  shining  in  his  eyes,  and  in  his 
mouth — a  slipper! 

With  suspended  breath  the  man 
watches,  and  even  at  the  touch  of 
cold  nose  upon  his  hand,  remains 
rigid.     Then,  with  a  cry,  he  throws 


^      MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

out  his  arms  to  encircle  his  comrade — 
only  empty  air  greets  him. 

But  at  his  feet  lies — a  slipper! 

In  stupefaction  he  looks  at  it,  and 
then  around  the  room. 

Nothing! 

Nothing  ?  No !  surely  something  is 
still  in  the  familiar  place — something 
which  is  faithful  always  and  remains 
where  love  keeps  the  place! 

A  light  of  understanding  breaks 
over  the  man's  face  as  he  takes  the 
slipper. 

"Oh!  ye  of  little  faith!" 


Slo\3$n^ 


I. 

UST  outside  of  a  walled 
city  there  is  a  field  of 
white — Httle,  delicate,  slim 
emissaries  of  peace,  waft- 
ing their  messages  of  healing  broad- 
cast. With  a  ringing  of  delicate  mu- 
sical bells,  they  say: 
"Come  with  me!  Here  is  joy  and 
peace/' 
Within  the  walls  a  lonely  watcher 
in  a  tower  looks  and  listens. 

Hidden  from  view  are  the  tools  of 
trade. 

Gazing  on  the  field,  he  muses  on  the 
infallibiHty  of  the  law,  which  with 
undeviating  regularity  brings  forth 
the  thousands  of  tiny  Heralds. 
Surely  they  are  a  symbol  of  some  part 
of  that  Great  Whole— some  plan  is 
back  of  their  being! 

101 


102     MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

He  looks  over  the  walled  city  which 
he  guards,  and  nowhere  is  there  any- 
thing which  is  as  wonderful  as  what 
lies  outside. 

Ah!  now  he  knows! 

Outside  is  Freedom — with  all  its 
loveliness  and  fragrance. 

0  lit  side  is  God's  World  with  only 
bells,  orchestra  of  rustling  leaves  and 
the  waving  baton  of  the  trees. 

Outside  all  is  Peace — Harmony. 

And  what  is  within ? 

Envy,  Vice.  Hatred,  and  stalking 
ever  at  the  head  Fear — as  Leader — 
whose  orchestra  is  made  up  of  glitter- 
ing instruments  of  torture,  deafening 
batteries,  and  with  Triumph  as  the 
theme. 

With  gold,  jewels  and  honors  he 
lures  to  his  band  all  within  the  walls, 
murmuring: 

"My  lands  shall  include  all  things. 
Nothing  shall  exist  which  is  as  perfect 
as  my  Empire." 


MISSIONARIES  103 


But- 


Oiitside — are  dainty,  delicate,  slim 
bits  of  loveliness,  which,  with  gentle 
nods  and  soft  waves  of  perfume 
bring  the  message  that,  Outside,  all 
is  as  God  intended,  for 

"Consider  the  lilies!  They  toil  not, 
neither  do  they  spin,  and  yet  I  say 
unto  you  that  Solomon  in  all  his  glory 
was  not  arrayed  like  one  of  these." 


ITHIN  the  darkest  recesses 
there  is  a  vast  multitude 
seeking    expression  —  ris- 
ing with  each  muhitude  a 
little  higher. 

Rubies,  who  gather  to  themselves 
the  fading  glory  of  the  sun,  secretly 
desire  the  millions  of  rays  which  the 
diamond  has  secured, — while  Sap- 
phires, holding  the  blue  winged  lights 
of  the  moon, — seek  in  vain  to  acquire 
the  rustling  of  trees  and  grasses,  the 
running  of  water, — within  their 
form. 

Insensate? 

Round  and  round  the  spiral  they 
travel, — ever  spurred,  by  the  force 
lying  within  each  and  every  one,  to 
be  more  than  they  are  and  to  express 
All! 

J|f  ;(c  *  *  * 

107 


108     MY    TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

I  recall  my  youth,  in  fancy,  as  so 
many  jewels  tied  to  dark  recesses 
while  aspiring; — The  desire  to  voice 
the  Rubies  of  Multitudes,  in  Dislike 
and  Hatred — reveling  in  the  Emer- 
alds of  wealth,  and  desire  for  honors 
— while  ever  knocking  at  my  door 
was  the  Sapphire,  laden  with  gifts 
of  Aspiration. 

In  vain  the  Diamond  beckoned, — 
in  vain  sought  to  convince  me  that 
within  that  recess  was  all  I  desired — 
that  there  was  to  be  found,  mingled 
together  All  as  One. 


The  Multitudes  hurry  past,  uncon- 
scious that  in  their  path  lies  the  Dia- 
mond. Hurrying,  scurrying,  they 
push  and  jostle  in  a  vain  endeavor  to 
amass  Rubies,  Emeralds  and  Sap- 
phires,  little  realizing  that  in  their 


MULTITUDES  109 

own  door  yard  lies  the  most  priceless 
jewel  of  all: 

The  Diamond  of  Love. 

I  was  of  the  Multitude: — 

Reason  said: 

"Seek  Emeralds.  What  matter  if 
you  borrow  Rubies  of  Hatred  to 
gain !    Seek  Emeralds !" 

Mind  said: 

"What  are  Emeralds?  It  is  Sap- 
phires you  desire.  Sapphires — which 
lead  you  by  a  radiant  path  to  the  sky 
— to  starry  realms — to  lands  where 
Inspiration  dwells. 

"Seek! 

"Seek  Sapphires!" 

Spirit  said : 

"You  are  wrong.  It  is  none  of 
these  you  desire.  Seek  the  Diamond. 
Search  for  it  high  and  low.  Do  not 
be  beguiled  by  colors  which  lure. 
Seek  the  purest  of  all. 


no     MY   TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

"Seek!" 

"Search  for  Diamonds!" 

Alas!  the  colors  of  the  rainbow 
caught  me  and  I  bathed  in  its  rays. 

Now  I  go  seeking!  Seeking  every- 
where— Diamonds — only  Diamonds. 


S^tmtmbvantti 


ISitmtnAvamti 
I. 

The  Sentinels: 

Uniforms  of  green — hardy  and 
erect,  they  wait  until  mustered — keep- 
ing watch  throughout  the  seasons. 

^       ^       }^       H:       H< 

The  Army: 

In  glittering  array  the  army  stands 
for  inspection. 

Russet,  gold  and  green  are  their 
uniforms,  with  trimmings  of  scarlet. 

Unmoved  they  will  stand  and  re- 
ceive all  onslaughts — and  if  some  fall 
in  the  battle,  those  remaining  will 
still  be  firm  of  purpose — turning  ever 
a  smile  of  welcome  and  holding  out 
arms  to  those  who  seek  them. 

Red  and  russet  and  gold 

Green  and  bronze  and  scarlet 

113 


114     MY  TUSSLE  WITH  THE  DEVIL 

How  brave  in  all  their  glory — how 
steadfast  to  their  purpose — how 
gratefully  do  they  bend  their  heads 
w^hen  a  wave  of  love  goes  to  them! 

Majestic — serene — content  to  fill 
their  allotted  place — asking  not  the 
perfume  of  lilies,  nor  scent  of  roses — 
seeking  not  the  sparkling  splendor  of 
jewels — content  with  the  Emerald, 
Ruby  and  Topaz,  which  they  hold 
wuthin  their  own  domain. 

So  muses  the  recruit,  as  with  head 
high  and  shoulders  back  he  wanders 
through  the  woods — saying  farewell 
to  all  the  friends  of  his  boyhood. 

The  Sentinels! 

How  they  have  guarded  the  old 
home  from  the  blasts ! 
"  How  joyfully  have  the  regiment 
given  of  their  life,  in  order  that  others 
might  revel  in  their  force,  and  unit- 
ing to  protect  all  who  sought  their 
shelter.  This  was  w^hat  he  must  keep 
ever   in   mind — to    follow  his   army 


REMEMBRANCES  115 

friends  and  do  with  gladness  what- 
ever came  his  way — without  thought 
of  honors — only  with  love  for  all — 
atid  cheerfully  obey. 

Taking  a  bit  of  the  uniform  of  his 
sentinel  friends,  and  a  bit  of  russet 
and  gold  and  scarlet,  too,  he  softly 
places  them  in  his  pocket  and  with  a 
salute  goes  out  to  join  his  company. 


iHunittonsi 


Mvinitioni 

Hardzvare  Store — Time:    Midday 

Gazing  out  of  a  window  which 
overlooked  a  training  field  for  sol- 
diers was  a  grizzled  old  man.  Time 
had  left  his  impress  with  no  gentle 
mark,  yet  around  the  eyes  was  a  lin- 
gering spark  of  youth,  and  about  the 
mouth  the  lines  told  of  a  gentle  and 
loving  spirit. 

As  his  eyes  roamed  over  the  field 
a  small  squad  came  into  view,  march- 
ing in  "twos**  and  wheeling  into 
"fours*'  and  "right  about,''  as  the 
command  was  given. 

The  gaze  of  the  man  grew  more 
intense,  and  the  lines  about  the  mouth 
deepened,  while,  slowly,  a  flush  of 
pride,  which  could  not  be  controlled, 
swept  over  the  face,  and  uncon- 
sciously his  shoulders  squared  and  his 

119 


120     MV    TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

back  straightened  as  his  son  came  into 
view. 

The  straight  boyish  figure  marched 
and  wheeled  in  perfect  unison  with 
his  comrades,  but  there  was  an  in- 
definable power  in  the  set  of  his  head 
and  poise  of  the  body,  which  bespoke 
determination  and  control  beyond  the 
ordinary. 

Suddenly  the  silence  is  broken  by 
a  voice,  and  the  man,  with  a  start, 
turns  from  the  window  and  faces  a 
customer  who  has  entered  so  quietly 
that  even  the  bell  on  the  door  has 
failed  to  make  any  sound. 

"Good-day  to  you,  sir,"  said  the 
customer.  "I  have  been  searching 
the  town  for  some  munitions.  Have 
you  any?" 

"A  complete  stock — of  every- 
thing,"    the     old     man     answered. 

''Well,  I  want  both  large  and  small. 
Something  suitable  for  a  double-bar- 
rel and  a  self-repeater.  Can  you  sup- 
ply me?" 


MUNITIONS  121 

"Yes.  How  much  of  each  will  you 
have?" 

The  man  hesitated,  and  then  put- 
ting his  hand  in  his  pocket,  he  drew 
out  a  bundle  of  notes  and  handful  of 
gold. 

"That  is  all  I  have.  Wrap  up  all 
you  can  give  me  for  that  amount." 

The  old  man  gazed  at  the  money 
and  then  his  eyes  traveled  toward  the 
field  where  young  boys  eagerly  an- 
swered to  the  commands  sent  forth: 
Forward !    March ! 

Turning  to  his  shelves,  he  took 
down,  first,  a  box  marked  "For 
double-barrel,"  and  wrapped  it  up. 
Then,  next,  came  a  box  labelled  "self- 
repeater — all  sizes,"  and  then,  with 
great  care,  came  the  last — "deadly 
mixture — guaranteed." 

Each  one  he  made  into  a  separate 
package  and  then  pushed  them  to- 
ward his  visitor,  who  thanked  him 
and  departed. 


122     MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

Gathering  up  the  gold  and  bank 
notes,  the  old  man  went  to  a  safe  in 
the  far  corner,  and,  opening  the  door, 
took  out  a  drawer  marked  "Munition 
Fund"  and  put  the  money  into  it, 
smiling  as  he  did  so. 

Taking  his  place  again  at  the  win- 
dow, he  gazed  over  the  field,  lost  in 
thought,  and  reviewing  in  memory 
the  years  of  his  youth,  when  he,  too, 
obeyed  the  command  "Forward! 
March!" 

A  sound  made  him  turn,  and  he 
was  confronted  by  his  customer,  who, 
in  a  state  of  extreme  anger,  waved 
his  packages  at  him,  exclaiming: 

"I  asked  for  munitions!  See  what 
you  have  given  me!" 

The  old  man  came  forward,  and 
taking  the  boxes,  proceeded  to  read: 

"For  double-barrel — w arranted, 
'Kindness!* 

"For  self-repeater — guaranteed, 

'Joy!' 


MUNITIONS  123 

''Deadly  mixture — Love! 

"Well,  my  friend,  what  is  wrong? 
This  is  all  as  it  should  be!'* 

''Should  be?  I  wanted  gunpowder 
and  cartridges — not  that  stuff !" 

"You  have  lost  your  way,  my  man. 
On  this  planet  those  are  our  only  mu- 
nitions." 


&o\ns  ilome 


<§Ding  ilomt 

HE  sky  was  heavy  with 
menacing  clouds,  and  wind 
— howling  dismally  as  it 
blew  through  the  trees — 
when  I  met  a  wayfarer  who  was 
walking,  with  downcast  eyes,  along 
the  highway  which  skirted  the  town. 
Gazing  at  him  sharply,  I  met  a  fur- 
tive glance,  which  held  within  it 
pleading,  and  yet  had  an  assurance 
which  was  compelling.  He  hesitated 
when  we  came  abreast,  and  as  I  felt 
in  the  mood  for  converse,  I  bade  him 
''Good-evening." 

**It  is  a  good  evening,  is  it  not," 
he  repHed.  "Good,  in  its  freedom  of 
elements.  They  make  merry  to- 
night." 

This  was  a  strange  answer,  and  my 
curiosity  was  piqued,  and  I  felt  con- 
strained to  lead  him  on  further. 
127 


128     MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

"You  feel  the  elements  are  enjoy- 
ing themselves?"  I  asked. 

"Thoroughly,"  he  answered,  "but 
one  never  knows  what  their  decision 
will  be." 

"Decision!    What  do  you  mean?" 

"Whether  they  will  be  content  with 
a  simple  little  frolic  or  if  they  have 
mischief  in  their  minds,"  he  an- 
swered. 

"Mischief!  in  their  minds!"  Surely 
that  is  a  strange  expression  to  use  re- 
garding the  wind  and  clouds." 

"Strange?  You,  too,  find  it 
strange?" 

As  he  spoke  he  looked  at,  and  yet 
again,  not  at  me,  but  through  me,  and 
then  continued: 

"To  me  there  is  nothing  in  all  the 
Universe  without  mind.  All  is  alive 
and  all  make  merry  or  are  sad — bring 
joy  or  sorrow,  as  their  bent  may  be. 
Just  as  man  can  be  kind,  or  cruel, 
make  beautiful  the  world  or  destroy, 


GOING  HOME  129 

SO  do  the  Beings  dwelling  in  the  ele- 
ments. 

Tonight  they  will  tell  me  whether 
I  make  merry  or  pass  out  in  sorrow." 

*That  is  a  strange  thing  you  say! 
'Make  merry  or  pass  out  in  sorrow.' 
What  does  that  portend?"  I  ques- 
tioned. 

"Sir,"  he  answered,  "you  do  not 
understand,  and  yet  you  look  to  me 
as  one  of  us. 

Tonight  I  am  going  home  and  I 
have  not  yet  made  the  necessary  de- 
cision as  to  my  going — whether  it 
shall  be  a  right  merry  leave-taking 
or  one  of  sadness.  Today  a  winged 
messenger  came  and  told  me  my  exile 
was  ended  and  I  could  start  for  my 
home  tonight." 

"And  where  is  your  home?"  I 
asked. 

"That  is  for  me  to  decide." 
"For  you  to  decide !  Is  it  not  where 
you  lived  last?"  I  asked. 


130     MY   TUSSLE  WITH  THE  DEVIL 

"Alas!  no,  I  have  lost  that  beau- 
tiful place,  but  there  are  others  for 
me  to  choose  from.  Or,  perhaps,  I 
shall  elect  to  remain  here  a  little 
longer — I  have  left  so  much  undone. 
I  find  so  many  words  unspoken 
which  would  have  given  joy,  perhaps, 
— so  many  things  postponed.  I  did 
not  give  heed  to  the  passing  of  hours 
for  I  felt  years  were  before  me.  But 
the  summons  has  come  and  I  am  to 
go  home — to  go  to  the  house  I  have 
been  building." 

His  eyes  were  fixed  on  the  horizon 
and  my  gaze  followed  him,  for  so  in- 
tent was  he  that  I  felt  there  was  some 
thing  there  I  could  see.  Then,  sud- 
denly, the  wind  swxpt  past  us  with  a 
mighty  gust.  The  trees  bent  beneath 
its  force,  and.  with  a  sudden  upfling- 
ing  of  his  head  he  turned  toward  me, 
and  said,  pointing  to  the  horizon: 

"See!  There  is  my  road  and  just 
at  the  end  of  the  lane  my  home.    Yes ! 


GOING   HOME  131 

after  all,  it  will  be  good  to  go  back. 
The  weeds  are  in  the  garden  and  it 
seems  neglected,  for  no  love  has  en- 
tered into  the  care  of  it;  but  there 
are  blossoms  among  the  grass  which 
has  overgrown  the  doorstep,  and  I 
can  make  it  beautiful,  after  all.  Just 
a  little  care,  a  bit  of  love,  and  time 
spent  in  taking  out  the  nettles,  and — 
yes,  it  can  be  made  a  home.  See! 
there  are  children  down  the  street.  I 
can  build  swings  and  make  toys  for 
their  playthings,  and  it  can  be  a  merry 
place." 

Watching  him  with  amazement,  T 
moved  along  at  his  side,  speaking  no 
word,  until  we  came  to  a  little  shanty 
all  by  itself,  on  the  dreariest  part  of 
the  bluff.  It  was  forbidding,  and  I 
remembered  it  was  the  place  of  the 
old  miser  and  renegade  of  the  town. 
As  we  reached  the  door  a  sudden 
noise  within  made  me  pause,  and  T 


132     MY   TUSSLE  WITH  THE  DEVIL 

pushed  open  the  rickety  door.  From 
a  corner  of  the  hut  came  a  voice: 

"So  you  have  come  at  last !  I  have 
just  been  waiting  until  you  reached 
me,  for  I  am  going  home.  Going 
home  to  just  a  little  place  like  this, 
but  it  has  flowers  in  its  yard  and 
there  are  children  who  need  me." 

There  came  a  sudden  terrific  whirl 
of  wind  and  dust — the  door  slammed 
to  and  my  knees  shook, — for  I  was 
alone — no  soul  in  sight,  no  habita- 
tion— only  scurrying  clouds  and  trees 
bending  under  the  blast,  while  above 
me  floated  down  a  voice: 

"I  am  going  home!  Are  you 
ready?  Make  ready!  for  soon  you, 
too,  will  be 

GOING   HOME 


Mp  lltartft 


IRANDFATHER  sits  in  an 
old  armchair.  The  back  of 
it  boasts  an  anti-macassar 
in  many  colors,  while  the 
seat  has  a  patchwork  cushion. 

Grandmother  occupies  a  low 
rocker,  which  moves  slowly  to  and 
fro,  as  she  softly  hums  the  hymn  of 
the  Sunday  service. 

Keeping  silence  is  grandfather's 
"long  suit" — while  making,  in  reality, 
my  life. 

He  is  a  sturdy  old  chap,  with  a 
will  and  determination  which  has  car- 
ried him  beyond  anti-macassars  and 
patchwork  cushions,  and  centered  it- 
self upon  me  No  fly  was  ever  more 
helpless! 

I  make  the  announcement : 

"Life  is  going  to  give  me  some- 
thing more  than  this  country  town." 

135 


136     MY   TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

Silence  reigns  on  the  left  of  the 
hearth,  and  creak!  creak!  and  a  gentle 
hum  answers  me  from  the  right. 

Minutes,  which  seem  hours,  pass — 
but  emboldened  by  the  pictures  seen 
in  the  coals,  once  more  a  voice  is 
heard : 

"When  I  am  grown  up  I  am  going 
to  the  city !  and  I  am  going  to  travel ! 
and  I  am  going  around  the  world! 
and  I  am  going  to  make  a  heap  of 
money  and  be  famous!" 

Silence! 

Creak — creak ! ! 

Half  of  eternity  passes — when 
once  more,  emboldened  spirit  takes 
hold  of  courage  and  dares  to  speak. 

"I  have  made  up  my  mind  and  I 
am  going  to  do  what  I  said,  and  nofli- 
ing  shall  keep  me  from  it!" 

Silence! 

Creak — creak ! ! 

Years  pass  in  review.  The  coals 
burn  to  ash,  and  from  a  far-off 
sphere  issues  a  voice: 


MY  HEARTH  137 

"ril  have  none  of  that  nonsense. 
You'll  do  what  you  are  told  to  do!" 

Silence ! 

Creak — creak ! ! 

The  pictures  fade.  A  clock  strikes. 
The  chair  groans  and  grandfather 
goes  in  search  of  his  lantern. 

Creak — ^creak!  and  then  the  touch 
of  a  gentle  hand  and  a  voice  made 
sweet  from  singing  many  hymns : 

"Make  your  pictures,  my  boy,  for 
they  will  come  true.  Make  them, 
hold  them,  and  most  of  all  believe  in 
them.     Good  night." 

Silence! 

Creak— creak!! 


Wjt  Eiint  W^ 


tli)t  tE^iixtt  Wi 


FOREWORD 


Without  Health,  Life  seems  Hell. 
With  Harmony  it  becomes  Heaven. 
And     when     combined,     Happiness, 
here,  is  the  result. 


141 


tlTfje  tKHrce  W^ 


PART  I. 


N  a  tavern,  which  was  on 
the  waterfront  and  visited 
mostly  by  sailors  on  shore 
leave,  lay  a  semblance  of 
a  man.  He  was  tattered  and  in  rags. 
Crouching  at  his  feet  was  a  dog  as 
forlorn  as  he  was  and  in  a  starved 
condition. 

Standing  around  the  pair  was  a 
circle  of  men — the  regular  habitues 
of  the  place. 

"Where'd  you  find  him,  Pete?''  in- 
quired a  sour-visaged  standee. 

"On  the  wharf.  I  heard  the  dog, 
and  as  my  boy  wants  a  cur,  I  fol- 
lowed the  sound.  But  love  ye!  I 
couldn't  touch  the  dog,  for  he  was 
that  crazy  at  seeing  me.  Seemed  like 
he  would  never  stop  running  around 

143 


144     MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

me — but  always  out  of  reach — first 
to  me  and  then  to  the  bundle. 

Finally  I  got  Steve  there,  and  to- 
gether we  set  to  work  to  pick  him 
up,  and  do  you  know,  that  cur  jest 
settled  down  as  quiet  and  followed 
at  our  heels.  Seemed  as  if  that  was 
what  he  wanted." 

Here  the  men  looked  sheepishly  at 
each  other,  as  if  each  was  ashamed 
at  the  emotion  which  stirred  within 
him  and  was  afraid  lest  it  be  ob- 
served. 

Finally  the  first  speaker  took  cour- 
age and  said: 

"Well,  come  on,  let's  see  what's 
wrong.  Get  some  brandy — and,  oh! 
hell !  give  the  dog  something  to  drink 
and  eat,  too." 

In  a  moment  there  was  action, 
where  before  there  was  inertia.  One 
bringing  a  basin  of  warm  water  and 
a  towel,  another  brandy,  while  the  rest 
undertook  to  look  after  the  dog,  who 


THE  THREE  H'S  145 

refused  to  move  away  from  the  man's 
side,  however,  and  refused  even  the 
food  and  drink  offered  until  he  saw 
that  aid  was  being  given  to  his  com- 
panion. Then,  with  a  growl  of  satis- 
faction, which  contained  as  well  a  de- 
spairing \moan — as  if  the  relief  of 
nourishment  was  almost  too  great  to 
bear — he  commenced  to  devour  ra- 
venously what  was  placed  before  him, 
and  gave  thanks,  in  all  directions, 
with  a  waving  and  vigorous  tail  mes- 
sage. 

Just  as  he  made  his  final  thump  of 
gratitude,  the  figure  of  his  companion 
stirred  and  moaned,  and  instantly  the 
dog  was  over  the  heads  of  the  men, 
bending  over  his  master  and  wildly 
lapping  his  face  and  hands,  from 
which  the  dirt  and  blood  had  been 
removed. 

It  was  a  face  of  refinement,  deli- 
cate in  its  outline,  and  with  an  ex- 
pression which  held  the  crowd  silent. 


146     MY   TUSSLE  WITH   THE  DEVIL 

Whether  the  brandy,  which  had 
been  forced  down  his  throat,  or  the 
caressing  of  the  dog  aroused  him,  it 
is  difficult  to  say — for  it  was  to  the 
dog  he  turned  his  eyes,  not  to  the 
men  standing  about  him,  and  as  his 
hand  touched  the  animal  it  gave  a 
wild  yelp  of  gladness. 

At  this,  a  glimmer  of  a  smile  passed 
over  the  face — a  smile  tender  as  a 
mother's  and  filled  with  the  love  and 
adoration  of  a  child. 

"Dakta,  dear  old  Dakta,"  he  mur- 
mured feebly. 

At  the  sound  of  his  voice  the  dog 
laid  down  and  moaned  from  very  joy. 

The  man  caressed  the  animal  with 
the  gentleness  of  a  woman  until  it 
subsided  and  rested  in  peace  against 
his  body. 

Then  his  eyes  wandered  over  the 
group,  which  had  stood  silent  and 
awe-struck  at  the  emotion  of  the  dog. 
With  a  smile  which  radiated  over 
them  all,  he  said: 


THE  THREE  H'S  147 

"So  you  are  Dakta's  good  friends. 
I  welcome  you,  comrades." 

A  shuffling  of  feet  answered  him, 
and  glances  shot  from  right  to  left, 
but  before  any  one  had  summoned 
the  courage  to  reply,  he  continued: 

"It  seems  strange  to  you,  I  per- 
ceive, for  me  to  welcome  you  as 
Dakta's  friends.  Men  live  all  their 
lives  with  the  most  precious  of  jewels 
at  their  door  and  are  unaware  of  it. 
Often  it  is  wrapped  in  poor  cover- 
ing and  often,  too,  in  gorgeous  rai- 
ment.    I  was  one  of  those  men.'' 

Here  he  stopped  and  stroked  the 
dog,  who  now  lay  quiet  and  content, 
glancing  up,  now  and  then,  into  his 
friend's  face. 

After  a  moment  of  silence,  the 
man  raised  himself  and  looked  in- 
tently into  each  face. 

A  furtive  smile  answered  his  quer\', 
on  some  faces,  while  others  looked 
away,  and  yet,  without  their  volition, 


148     MY   TUSSLE  WITH   THE  DEVIL 

their  eyes  came  back  and  rested  on 
his  face. 

**Come  nearer,  comrades.  Sit  at 
ease  while  I  tell  you  of  this  jewel, 
which  you  all  have  within  your  reach 
and  which  Dakta,  too,  possesses." 

The  men  seated  themselves  quietly 
— one  might  almost  say,  reverently — 
so  different  was  their  attitude  from 
their  usual  manner. 

When  the  men  were  settled,  his 
glance  traveled  over  them  all. 

'*Do  you  know  that  you  have  here 
untold  riches?" 

**To  hell,  we  have!"  ejaculated 
Steve. 

"Exactly,"  responded  the  stranger. 
'That  is  just  it— Hell!— and  that  is 
paved  with  untold  wealth — good  in- 
tentions." 

"Huh!"  snorted  one  of  the  lis- 
teners, "much  good  that  wealth  does 
a  feller;  you  can't  buy  a  drink  with 
that." 


THE  THREE  H'S  149 

"You  are  mistaken,  my  friend.  It 
does  you  the  greatest  good  in  the 
world,  and  I  will  prove  it  to  you ;  and, 
furthermore,  it  will  purchase  for  you 
all  the  drinks  you  desire.  Will  you 
hear?" 

"Fire  away  " 

II. 

"When  I  was  a  lad,  I  was  puny, 
sickly,  and  in  consequence  was  barred 
from  the  joy  of  companions  and  play. 

My  parents  were  too  occupied 
with  their  great  responsibilities — my 
father  amassing  wealth  and  my 
mother  keeping  her  place  as  the  leader 
of  society — to  give  any  special  atten- 
tion to  the  offspring  who  only  upset 
the  routine  of  the  household  by  ill- 
ness at  inopportune  times,  and  so  the 
care  was  relegated  to  hirelings — who 
were  paid  for  their  time  and  gave 
accordingly  only  the  efforts  of  their 
hands,  with  no  thought  that  they  pos- 
sessed a  heart. 


150     MY    TUSSLE    WITH    THE   DEVIL 

1  was  kept  out  of  doors  constantly, 
and  my  only  companion  was  the 
mother  of  Dakta.  We  grew  up  to- 
gether, and  it  was  the  exercise  given 
me  from  ver}'  joy  and  ecstacy — to- 
gether with  the  love  and  devotion, 
which  I  felt  for  the  first  time,  and 
realized  did  exist — which  restored  me 
gradually  to  health. 

Next  I  became  acquainted  with 
selfishness  and  cruelty,  for  my  play- 
mate— having  added  to  the  joy  of  the 
world,  five  beautiful  downy  bits  of 
life — was  taken  away  from  me,  for 
she  brought  a  good  price  with  four 
of  her  children.  Money  was  of  more 
importance  than  love.  Dakta,  here, 
was  left  behind,  however,  for  the 
stableman,  for  he  had  looked  after 
her  mother. 

It  was  from  the  stableman  that  I 
received  my  first  lesson  as  to  the 
wealth  which  was  to  be  obtained. 

He   was    an    ugly,   brutal    looking 


THE  THREE  H'S  151 

man,  dirty  and  unkempt  most  of  the 
time,  but  to  me  he  was  a  very  god, 
for  each  day  he  came  to  the  wicket  of 
the  fence,  with  Dakta  in  his  arms, 
and  with  a  smile  which  was  like  a 
beam  of  sunshine,  he  would  say, 
"Hey!  little  master,  here  she  is,"  and 
with  that  he  would  put  Dakta  through 
the  wicket. 

Each  day  ever  since  she  has  been 
with  me,  sharing  joy  and  sorrow 
and  teaching  me  with  infinite  patience 
and  love  the  great  lessons  of  life — 
Faithfulness,  Gratitude,  Cleanliness, 
Godliness  and  Work. 

For  ten  years  she  has  been  stead- 
fast and  her  love  unchanged,  al- 
though I  have  led  her  through  the 
mire  many  times*  and  hunger  and 
cold  have  been  her  portions," 

Here  he  put  his  hand  upon  the  dog 
and  turned  its  face  upward,  and, 
lookin^T  into  its  eyes,  said: 

"But  never  lack  of  love,  old  girl! 
Never  that!" 


152     MY    TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVH^ 

The  dog  kept  its  eyes  upon  him  as 
he  spoke,  and  the  men  were  silent 
as  it  gave  a  little  whimpering  answer 
and  licked  the  man's  hand. 

Turning  once  more  to  his  circle  of 
listeners,  the  man  continued  his 
story : 

"I  have  called  you  Dakta's  com- 
rades for  she  selected  you,  and  her 
judgment  is  unerring  in  regard  to 
those  who  have  wealth." 

Here  he  smiled,  and  in  a  whimsical 
tone  said: 

"She  is  an  aristocrat,  and  traces 
her  family  many  generations,  and 
therefore  shuns  those  who  do  not  be- 
long to  her  class.  For  we  have  min- 
gled with  each  and  every  class — hav- 
ing been  the  invited  guests  of  multi- 
millionaires, pampered  social  leaders, 
and  sat  at  the  table  of  all  of  the  rulers 
of  the  world.  We  have  dwelt  in 
hovels,  slept  in  the  desert,  and  wan- 
dered forsaken  and  alone  along  the 
highways. 


THE  THREE  H'S  153 

Tonight  our  pilgrimage  ends,  for 
we  have  won  the  fight  and  I  am  once 
more  in  possession  of  my  soul." 

The  music  of  his  voice  had  stilled 
all  the  warring  elements  within  each 
man,  and  they  scarcely  breathed  for 
fear  of  losing  that  which  they  felt 
had  entered  and  warmed  them.  There 
was  no  need  for  the  gin  and  whisky, 
which  had  kept  the  blood  heated,  for 
there  was  a  glow  from  the  eyes  of 
both  man  and  dog  which  made  them 
warmer  than  they  had  ever  been. 

Putting  his  hand  on  the  dog's  head, 
he  said: 

"Attention.  Dakta!  It  is  time  to 
choose." 

Immediately  the  dog  was  on  its 
haunches,  ears  erect,  nose  quivering 
and  eyes  going  from  man  to  man. 

"I  have  called  you  Dakta's  com- 
rades, but  you  are  mine  as  well — for 
*Lo!  the  stranger  was  at  your  gates 
and  you  took  him  in  and  bathed  and 
fed  him.' 


154    MY  TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

We  need  helpers,  and  Dakta  shall 
choose.  After  she  has  selected  each 
one  for  his  particular  office,  we  will 
discuss  the  work  to  be  done.  I  will 
tell  you  in  advance,  however,  that  you 
will  receive  greater  payment  for  your 
services  than  you  have  ever  had  be- 
fore.'* 

The  men  were  as  graven  images. 

Then  came  the  command: 

"Leader!    Dakta  !'^ 

With  a  dignity  which  was  inspir- 
ing, Dakta  walked  around  each  man, 
looking,  first,  intently  into  each  face 
and  then  sniffing.  Having  made  the 
rounds,  she  walked  to  the  most  be- 
sotted looking,  and  putting  her  paws 
on  his  knee,  looked  up  into  his  face 
and  whined,  meanwhile  waving  in 
triumph  the  flag  of  her  tail. 

The  man  at  whose  knee  she  stood 
put  out  a  trembling  and  hesitating 
hand,  whereupon  Dakta  cr^ve  a  little 
yelp  of  pleasure,  and  kissed  it, 


THE  THREE  H'S  155 

At  this  the  entire  attitude  of  the 
man  changed,  and  he  sat  erect,  where 
before  his  body  had  slouched,  and  his 
head  went  up  until  the  carriage  of 
the  body  was  that  of  a  ruler,  and  he 
arose  from  his  chair  and,  with  eyes 
alight,  followed  Dakta  to  the  right 
hand  of  the  man  and  seated  himself 
on  the  floor  beside  him. 

Again  came  the  command: 

"Treasurer!     Dakta!" 

Once  more  the  dog  made  its 
rounds,  stopping  finally  in  front  of  a 
man  who  had  kept  his  eyes  upon  the 
ground.  He  stirred  uneasily  at  the 
touch  of  Dakta's  paws  upon  his  knee, 
and  made  a  movement  as  if  he  would 
push  her  away.  At  that  she  gave  a 
little  cry  and  jumped  into  the  lap  of 
the  man  and  commenced  to  lick  his 
face. 

The  man  m.ade  no  move  for  a  mo- 
ment, and  then  suddenly  clasped  her 
in  both  arms  and  hid  his  face  in  her 
neck. 


156     MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

"Well  chosen,  Dakta!''  said  her 
master. 

"Come,  comrade,  and  sit  at  my 
left." 

The  man  rose,  still  holding  Dakta 
close  to  his  heart,  but  his  head  raised 
high  and  his  eyes  straight  ahead — 
and  took  his  place  at  the  left,  upon 
the  floor. 

Again  came  the  command: 

"The  Mender!    Dakta!" 

Wriggling  out  of  the  arms  of  the 
man  who  held  her,  she  once  more 
made  her  rounds,  this  time  stopping 
before  Steve,  and  whining  as  if  in 
recognition. 

Steve  looked  down  into  the  ani- 
mal's face  and  said: 

"Hell!    What  ar^  you?" 

At  this  Dakta  leaped  about  him  in 
ecstacy  and  tugged  at  his  coat,  until 
Steve  put  out  his  brawny  hand  and 
caressed  her  head. 

Once  again  came  the  voice  of  her 
master : 


THE  THREE  H'S  157 

"Well  selected.  Let  him  sit  in 
front  of  me,  Dakta." 

And  dragging  Steve  by  the  coat, 
she  brought  him  in  front  of  her  mas- 
ter, who  put  out  his  hand  and  said : 

"Welcome,  Brother/' 

As  the  man's  hand  touched  his,  a 
smile  went  over  the  face  of  Steve  and 
glorified  it,  and  he  silently  took  his 
place  as  indicated. 

Once  more  rang  out  a  command : 

"The  Light  Bearer!  Bring  the 
Light  Bearer,  Dakta." 

This  time  Dakta  made  a  flying 
leap  into  the  lap  of  Pete,  and  dog  and 
man  gazed  into  each  other's  eyes. 
Then,  as  Dakta  sprang  to  the  floor, 
Pete  followed  her  where  she  led  him, 
to  her  master,  who  held  out  both 
hands  and  said: 

"My  Brother!"  And  Pete  passed 
around  and  placed  his  back  next  to 
that  of  the  man. 

A  final  command  rang  out: 


158     MY   TUSSLE  WITH   THE  DEVIL 

"Select  the  brothers  of  each !"  And 
Dakta  made  her  rounds,  bringing  two 
to  sit  next  to  the  Treasurer,  two  next 
to  the  Leader,  two  next  to  the 
Mender,  and  two  next  to  the  Light 
Bearer,  coming  herself  to  curl  up  at 
her  master's  feet. 

His  eyes  traveled  over  the  men 
seated  about  him,  now  all  with  their 
heads  erect  and  smiles  upon  their 
faces,  and  joy  radiating  from  them 
all. 

In  a  voice  sweeter  than  any  music, 
he  said: 

"Hell  becomes  Heaven  when  there 
is  Harmony! 

Is  it  not  so,  Brothers  ?" 


(!Pt)^  ^tnitfi 


lEEING:— 

From  my  nest  on  shore 
I  gaze  across  the  sea  to  a 
^^  tiny  speck  of  white  which 
appears  on  the  horizon — a  fluttering 
sail. 

Suddenly,  a  swiftly  darting  thing 
of  gray — a  puif  of  smoke — 

I  strain  my  eyes  in  vain,  but  no- 
where can  be  seen  a  fluttering  sail  of 
white  or  the  darting  thing  of  gray. 

Only  the  ever-moving  sea,  gleam- 
ing with  light! 


FEELING:— 

What  tragedy  has  been  enacted? 

How  many  souls  have  silently  bid 
adieu  to  the  sunshine  and  the  sea? 

To  what  home  is  the  news  carried? 

How  many  hearts  are  made  to  suf- 
fer? 

How  many  homes  bereft? 

161 


162     MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

TASTING:— 

I  sit  and  gaze  from  my  nest  on 
land,  but  only  a  wall  of  gray  can  I 
distinguish. 

Suddenly  upon  my  lips  a  taste  of 
salt! 

Can  it  be  that  I,  too,  have  been  sub- 
merged and  the  waters  of  the  sea 
caress  my  lips? 

Alas!  no!  for  the  gray  wall  fades 
away  and  before  my  eyes  is  a  sunlit 
sea  with  nothing  in  sight  and  upon 
my  lips  only  my  tears. 


HEARING:— 

From  out  my  nest  I  gaze  upon  the 
sea.    Gray  it  is,  from  leaden  sky. 

A  deadly  silence — then  the  tramp 
of  myriad  feet. 

Suddenly  the  stillness  is  shattered 
by  a  volley  and  the  last  honors  of  the 
land  are  given  to  my  all ! ! 


THE  SENSES  163 

TOUCHING:— 

From  outside  my  nest  I  gaze  upon 
the  sea. 

My  hands  clasp  only  the  leaves  of 
many  flowers  and  dampened  earth, 
when  leaden  sky  is  reft  and  the  tears 
of  the  angels  of  heaven  fall  upon  my 
head  in  understanding, — and  are  ad- 
ded to  the  sea! 

From  out  my  nest  I  gaze  across 
the  sea. 

A  sunlit,  sparkling  sea 
A  gleaming  dancing  sea — 
"All  joy!  all  hope!  be  thine," 
It  seems  to  say, 
"For  life  has  just  begun." 


Jf  amies 


jfantiti 

Birds  go  seeking 
Mates, 

All  on  a  day  made  gay. 
"Trees  are  blooming, 
Branches  waiting, — 
Will  you  come?" 
Shy  the  answer — 
Swift  surrender — 
Roundelays  are  heard. 

Time  is  flying, 
Summer  coming, 
When  the  families 
Say  farewell. 


167 


168     MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 


In  a  pasture  green 
Fair  flowers  bloom ; 
Gay  their  faces — 
Bright  their  dresses. 

Swiftly  seeking, 
Whirling,  wheeling, 
Comes  a  flock 
At  noon. 

"Here  are  daisies, 

Sweetest  grasses, 

Buttercups  and  clover, 

Let  us  linger,  sip  and  treasure." 

Summer  passes, 

Grasses  perish, 

But  in  sweetness 

Is  Springtime  cherished. 


FANCIES  169 


Daylight  passes, 
Night  approaches, 
Lights  begin  to  gleam. 
In  the  houses 
One  can  fancy 
Nestlings  tucked  to  rest. 


Good  night,  sea, 
Good  night  world, 
All  my  soul  goes  out 
To  thee. 
Happy  meeting, 
Friendly  greeting 
Upon  the  milky  way, 


170     MY  TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 


TRUSTING 

Upon  tJie  ocean  wide 
Two  little  ships  set  sail. 

Over  an  ocean  blue 

Two  little  birds  sailed  true. 

Kneeling  upon  a  nursery  floor 
Two  little  children  fair. 

Under  a  star-lit  sky 

A  youth  and  a  maiden,  shy. 

With  sightless  eyes  and  folded  hands, 
Old  age  murmurs,  "God  knows  best." 

Faith — trust — love — courage ! 
That  is  all — God  does  the  rest. 


FANCIES  171 


THOUGHTS 

Thinking,  thinking,  thinking, 
As  the  needle  travels  to  and  fro 
Through  sheerest  linen— finest  lace- 
Weaving  patterns — all  unseen. 
Upon  its  face. 

Pictures  vivid,  pictures  dim, 
Pictures  gay  and  with  sadness  grim, 
Tiny  feet — clinging  hands — 
All  are  in  the  fabric's  sheen. 

Unseen  tracery  takes  its  place, 
To  weave  again  its  mystic  theme. 


172     MY   TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

THINKING 

The  only  value  of  thinking 

Is  thinking  of  things  worth  while, 

Of  thinking  of  what  you  want  to  be, 

And  thinking  of  things  to  do 

For   the   folks — who   know   not   the 

value 
Of  thinking  of  things  worth  while. 
All  that  you  are,  or  will  be, 
Is  vested  in  thinking. 
And  it's  the  thoughts  worth  while, 
Ajid  the  deeds  well  planned, 
Which  build  your  mansion  here — and 

there. 
So    what    are   you    thinking   now — 

there  ? 


FANCIES  173 


Oh !  the  hours  we  spend, 

And  the  days  we  spend, 

In  thinking  no  thoughts  at  all — 

For  the  only  thoughts —  which  really 

count — 
Are  the  thoughts  of  love  sent  out  to 

all, 
For   they    are   the    thoughts    worth 

while. 


I^esterbap— ®o&ap 


I^esterbap— Sobap 

A  Fantasy  in  Three  Parts 
PART  I.— YESTERDAY 


1 

^ 

s 

i 

3t=s==iyif 

ITTLE  wisps  of  clouds  I 
meet  as  I  wander  by  the 
sea, — fragile  as  lacy  petti- 
coats that  imprison  the 
form.  Useless  they  seem  to  be,  but 
as  I  watch  I  think  I  see  a  form.  Mul- 
tiplying, I  mistake  seeming  for  fact, 
and  revel  in  the  vision  they  recall. 

Cloudless  skies — dazzling  sunshine 
— heavy  scent  of  flowers,  and  floating 
upon  the  breast  of  the  jeweled  sea,  a 
barge — gay  with  silken  draperies, 
flowers  and  the  music  of  many  blades 
cleaving  the  waves. 

Upon  a  golden  couch  lies  a  softly 
clad  nymph.  Sapphire  are  her  eyes, 
alabaster  her  arms,  coral  tinges  her 
mouth  and  pearls  gleam,  as  the  sun 
warms  and  bathes  her  in  its  rays. 

177 


178     MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

So  motionless  she  lies  that  one 
might  think  it  a  magical  statue  carven 
by  a  master  hand — only,  in  the  eyes 
gleams  a  force  which  keeps  at  regu- 
lar beats  the  play  of  the  blades  and 
sends  the  craft  to  the  port  desired. 

Supporting  herself  on  one  arm,  she 
raises  high  the  other  and  points  to  a 
gleaming  palace  by  the  water's  edge, 
and  with  a  quicker  rhythm  the  barge 
sweeps  over  the  water  and  reaches 
the  landing. 

It  is  a  palace  of  dreams  which  ap- 
pears to  be  holding  within  its  walls 
the  design  of  Aspiration. 

Alighting  from  the  barge,  the 
nymph  seems  to  float  through  the  air, 
so  lightly  does  she  glide  over  the 
earth,  and  enters  the  palace. 

In  the  entrance  hall  she  hesitates 

and  looks — from  the  left,  where  Music 

beckons,    to    the    right,    w^here    Art 

smiles,  and  then  stands  and  gazes  at 

a  closed  door.     It  is  simple  in  design 


YESTERDA  Y—TODA  Y  179 

and  quite  plain  and  ordinary  com- 
pared to  the  rest  of  the  palace,  but 
unlike  all  the  other  doors,  which  stand 
open,  this  is  tightly  closed.  On  look- 
ing closer,  over  the  portal  can  be  seen 
in  infinitesimal  letters,  the  words 
Knowledge,  Wisdom,  Power. 

In  front  of  this  door  sits  a  figure 
wrapped  in  flowing  garments.  Hesi- 
tatingly, the  nymph  approaches,  and 
addresses  the  figure  in  accents  which 
are  full  of  sweetness  and  yet  are 
throbbing  with  will  and  determina- 
tion. 

"I  would  enter.  Open  the  door  for 
me. 

"By  what  right  do  you  issue  that 
command?"  asks  the  custodian. 

"The  right  of  Desire.  Is  that  not 
sufficient?" 

"Nay!  not  here.  The  other  rooms 
may  be  entered  and  dwelt  in  by  that 
alone,  but  this  opens  its  doors  only  to 
aspiration  for  Qualities,  for  it  is  that 


180     MY  TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

knowledge  only  which  can  be  gained 
within." 

''QuaHties !  What  are  they  ?  I  tell 
you  I  will  enter!  You  may  sit  there 
forever,  if  vou  will,  but  I  shall  pass 
you." 

"Gladly  will  I  stand  aside  for  you 
when  you  are  able  to  give  me  the 
pass-word  which  unlocks  the  door," 
replied  its  keeper. 

"And  where  shall  I  purchase  that 
w^ord?    No  price  is  beyond  me." 

"There  is  no  price.  It  is  just  a 
little  word.  Seek  it  diligently  and  you 
will  find." 

With  a  gesture  of  disdain  the 
nymph  swept  past  and  entered  the 
rooms,  first  to  the  left  and  then  to 
the  right,  and  then  coming  again  to 
the  closed  door,  seated  herself  and 
said: 

"I  WILL  enter!  No  matter  how 
long  I  must  remain.  What  is  the 
use  of  this  palace  to  me,  if  that  room 


YESTERDA  Y—TODA  Y  181 

is  closed?    I  will  have  none  of  it!    I 
command  you  to  open  the  door." 

But  the  figure  remained  motion- 
less, and  finally,  wearying  of  the  si- 
lence ,  the  nymph  approached  and 
touched  the  sleeve  of  the  garment — 
but,  alas!  it  gave  no  response,  for  it 
was  stone. 

II. 
TODAY 

Lying  within  the  embrace  of  many 
pillows  was  a  woman,  her  eyes  fixed 
upon  the  sea,  which  rolled  and  tum- 
bled below  her  making  a  very  sym- 
phony of  sound. 

Her  eyes  travelled  slowly  to  the 
horizon,  then  back  to  the  book  which 
lay  upon  her  lap.  Picking  it  up  she 
commenced  to  read: 

"Lying  within  each  and  every  soul 
is  the  seed  which  contains  the  mem- 
ory of  all  past  achievements,  all  past 


182     MY  TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

desires,  like  a  pure  crystal  which  re- 
flects all  within  its  surface.  Just  as 
the  crystal  will  reflect  blurred  pict- 
ures when  it  is  marred  by  ill  usage, 
so  this  seed  fails  to  give  the  perfect 
flower  of  knowledge  when  it  has  met 
with  neglect  To  give  it  warmth  will 
bring  to  view  all  its  possibilities,  all 
its  loveliness. 

"Make  a  search  for  that  seed  with- 
in you  which  contains  all  memories. 
Review  each  and  every  event  by 
pouring  upon  it  the  sunshine  of  under- 
standing and  searching.  Look  with- 
in and  "Know  Thyself." 

At  this  the  woman  put  down  her 
book  and  once  again  her  gaze  wan- 
dered to  the  horizon  and  within  her 
eyes  came  a  gleam — gazing  intently 
— without  movement. 

One  watching  her  would  have  said 
she  saw  something  upon  that  sea, 
which  stretched  before  her. 

With  a  swift  movement  she  slips 


VESTERDA  Y—TODA  Y  183 

from  her  pillows,  and  with  wide  open 
eyes,  exclaims: 

"The  door — the  same  one  of  my 
dreams." 

Entranced,  she  remains  motionless 
until  a  sudden  gust  of  wind  picks  up 
her  book  and  flings  it  at  her  feet. 

Stooping,  she  picks  it  up,  and  then, 
as  her  eyes  scan  the  page,  there  is  a 
sudden  tenseness  of  the  body,  as  she 
reads : — 

"The  key  to  the  'Temple  of  Knowl- 
edge' lies  within  each  soul  and  he 
who  seeks,  from  the  heart,  shall  find. 
To  knock  imperiously  will  summon 
the  guardians,  but  to  reach  the  inner 
chamber  it  is  necessary  to  enter  first 
into  the  closet  of  your  own  soul. 

There,  in  a  neglected  corner,  will 
be  the  golden  key.  It  will  be  in  need 
of  burnishing,  perhaps — ^hidden  as  it 
has  been  all  these  years,  but  just  a 
little  effort  will  bring  out  its  brilli- 
ancy.   Take  it  in  your  hands,  rever- 


184     MY   TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

ently,  for  it  is  fragile,  as  well  as  pure, 
and  place  it  next  to  your  heart.  Keep 
it  there  until  you  can  feel  the  warmth 
radiating  from  it,  through  your  en- 
tire being.  Then,  and  then  only,  is 
it  ready  for  use.  for  it  is  then  a  Mas- 
ter Key  and  can  unlock  any  door." 

With  a  sudden  exclamation,  the 
lx)ok  is  clasped  more  closely,  and  a 
light  of  understanding  breaks  over 
her  face. 

"So  simple!  And  I  have  searched 
so  long! — Just  love!" 

III. 

THE    REAPING 

In  the  streets  flags  are  waving 
and  banners  unfurled  to  the  breeze, 
while  along  the  edges  are  eager, 
strained   faces,   watching. 

With  a  shout,  the  cry  rings  out, 
'They  are  coming!"  and  then  in  the 


YESTERDA  Y—TODA  Y  185 

distance  is  heard  the  sound  of  music 
and  the  tramping  of  many  feet,  all  in 
unison. 

Gradually  the  marchers  make  their 
way  past  the  waiting  throngs,  and 
as  they  pass,  each  head  is  raised  in 
wonderment,  and  then  reverently 
bowed,  for,  arm  in  arm  march  the 
Nations  of  the  World, — all  united  in 
a  common  bond  and  no  longer  ene- 
mies, for  at  their  head  moves  a  tiny 
child,  carrying  in  its  hands  a  wee  ban- 
ner, but  of  mighty  import, — for  on 
it  in  letters  of  gold  is 

"The  Ruler  of  all  the  World" 
"LOVE" 


iSrtion— ^Reaction 


action— leieaction 

ACTION 

\  ILL  AGE  nestling  among 
the  pines.  Only  the  buzz 
of  insects  and  hum  of  bees, 
together  with  the  ac- 
companiment of  rustling  branches, 
breaks  the  silence. 

All  is  peace  and  harmony. 
Hark! 

From  afar  sounds  a  discordant 
blatant  note.  Nearer  it  comes,  ever 
growing  harsher,  until  at  last,  at  the 
end  of  the  street  is  seen  a  mounted 
horseman,  with  a  bugle  at  his  lips. 
With  one  final  blast  he  summons  all 
the  peaceful  souls,  who  crowd  about 
him.  He  watches  them,  as  they 
gather,  with  an  appraising  eye,  and 
then  with  uplifted  hand  commands 
silence. 

189 


190     MY   TUSSLE   WITH   THE  DEVIL 

"All  men  and  boys  past  the  age  of 
twelve  follow  me. 

"In  the  name  of  the  Law  you  must 
obey!    Come!" 

Raising  his  bugle,  once  more  he 
shatters  the  peace  of  that  little  ham- 
let and  moves  on,  followed  in  silence 
by  all  the  men  and  boys  over  twelve. 

No  sound  but  that  of  moving  feet 
can  be  heard.  No  tears,  no  lamenta- 
tions from  the  stricken  statues  left 
behind. 

The  hush  of  even-tide — 
The  drone  of  insects — 
The  hum  of  bees — 
The  swaying  of  branches. 
Thrilled  by  the  breeze — 

and  silence  once  more  descends  upon 
the  street 


ACTION— REACTION  191 

Fur  roughed  ground — 
Booming  guns — 
Shrieking  shells — 
Smoke-laden  air — 

Young,  old-men  boys,  automatons  of 
men,  ply  their  trade  at  the  command 
"By  order  of  the  Law!    Obey!" 

Daylight  passes — 

The  hues  of  even-tide  caress, 

And  speak  of  rest, 

but  the  command  rings  out : 
"Forward!  Attack!" 

Night  comes  forth 

With  gleaming  mantle, 

And  lays  it  over  all  that  remains — 

Furroughed  ground! 


192     MY   TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

REACTION 

A  bugle  sounds  in  a  hamlet  town, 
and  streaming  forth  come  stricken 
souls,  who  with  outstretched  arms  go 
forth  to  meet  that  straggling  band 
which  passes  through  the  street — but 
they  pay  no  heed. 

Luminous  are  their  faces,  radiant 
their  robes,  as  they  gaze  straight 
ahead,  with  never  a  look  to  the  right 
or  the  left. 

Morning  breezes — 
Buzz  of  insects 
Hum  of  bees — 
Branches  bending 
To  the  breeze. 


^'^isim 


9  Vision 

N  the  far  distant  East 
gleams  a  light — faint  but 
effulgent,  and  as  I  wa^ch 
it  moves  slowly,  majes- 
tically, westward. 

Still  I  gaze,  and  watch  it  ever  going 
higher,  moving  more  swiftly,  and 
growing  ever  brighter  and  larger. 

Still  I  gaze : 

Swifter  becomes  its  movement, 
more  dazzling  its  light,  and  lo!  from 
what  seemed  a  speck  when  I  first 
gazed  upon  that  light,  has  grown  a 
golden  bird  with  outstretched  wings 
gleaming  and  sending  showers  of 
golden  radiance  with  each  movement. 

Westward  it  moves,  ever  expand- 
ing, ever  more  dazzling,  until  at  last 
all  the  face  of  the  world  has  been 
showered  with  the  glimmering  gold 
from  its  wings. 

195 


196     MY   TUSSLE   WITH  THE  DEVIL 

Still  I  gaze : 

High  in  the  heavens  is  motionless 
this  wonderful  golden  bird — then, 
slowly,  with  scarcely  moving  pinions 
it  descends,  and  with  a  final  quiver 
takes  under  the  shelter  of  its  mighty 
wings  a  world  of  sorrow. 

Still  I  gaze  : 

No  movement,  but  ever  the  light 
increasing  and  dazzling  in  brilliancy 
and  beauty. 

Still  I  gaze : 

A  flutter — an  unfolding  of  the 
mighty  pinions  and  then  a  swift  flight 
upwards — ever  swifter— ever  higher, 
until  at  last  all  sight  of  its  wonder  is 
lost. 

Then  I  gaze  where  it  rested,  and 
behold !  a  new  earth  of  dazzling  gold 
and  everywhere  gleaming  lights  of 
rainbow  tints 

Then  I  muse: 

And  from  out  of  the  silence  comes 
a  voice: 


A  VISION  197 

'Thus  will  the  world  appear  when 
Peace  has  folded  it  within  its  wings, 
and  Love  shines  out  from  each  and 
every  window/* 


00032193723 

This  book  must  not 
be  taken  from  the 
Library  building. 


JliLJU  A 


JUPLE  EJECTED  'VANISHES  FROR 

FROM  THEIR  HOME]  SPIRIT  SANCTUAB 

me.  Parma  and  Her  Husband, 
Albert  H  aught  on  Pratt,  in 

Arrears.       i  O'l'^^ 


i 


TLANTIC  HIGHTA.^DS,  ^  J..  Aag. 
— Mme.  P.  Mildred  Parma  and  Albert 
ug-hton  Pratt,  who  figrured  conspicu- 
>ly  In  the  news  several  years  agro, 
'e  been  ousted  from  their  home,  which 
known  here  as  the  "Little  White 
use.'*  They  went  out  as  a  result  of 
rrlt  of  assistance  issued  against  them 

Vice  Chancellor  Foster  recently  in 
wark. 

hey  arransed  to  buy  the  house  for 
>00  five  years  agro  and  paid  $1,500, 
;  when  the  balance  was  due  seme 
le  later  they  did  not  make  a  pay- 
nt.  They  started  an  action  for  a 
onnation  of  the  deed,  but  Vice  Chan- 
or  Foster  decided  against  them, 
nmedlately  after  the  decision,  a  writ 
demand  for  possession  of  the  prop- 
r  wai  served  upon  Mme.  Parma  on 
alf  of  the  owner,  Arthur  N.  Hanson, 
ignored  it  and  retained  possession 
the  property.     Hanson  then  obtained 

writ  of  assistance,  "which  was  ser\'ed 
Monday. 

ratt,  according  to  Deputy  Sheriff 
les  P.  McCann,  who  served  the  writ, 
lared  that  he.  had  naarried  Mme. 
•ma  in  1919.  Both  the  man  and  the 
nan  quoted  Scripture  to  the  deputy 
an  attempt  to  dLssuade  him  from 
erlng  them  out.    He  told  them  he-  had 

greatest  respect  for  Holy  Writ,  but 
t  it  did  not  apply  in  this  instance, 
tie  couple  left  the  house,  but  Hanson 
eed  to  i>ermit  their  furniture  to  re- 
in until  the  next  day.  It  was  then 
lOved  and  Mme.  Parma  announced 
t  It  would  be  stored  in  Red  Bank. 
!  pair  would  not  tell  where  they  were 
ig  to  live. 

ratt  is  said  to  be  a  nephew  of  a  man 
aed  Houghton  In  tlie  firm  of 
jghton,  Mifflin  &  Co.,  publishers, 
tt's  wife,  Mrs.  Catherine  Sloane 
tt,  sued  for  divorce  in  Manhattan, 
aing  Mme,  Parma  as  co-respondent. 
,tt  was  an  editor  for  the  concern  and 
ied  some  stock  that  he  sold  and  gave 

money  to  Mme.  Parma,  along  with 
er  money  that  brought  the  sum  to 
000.  ^ 


Prophet  Albert  Houghton  Pr 

hnd  his  priestess,  Mme.  P.  Mild 

I'drma,  ousted  from  their  sane 

ary  in   Atlar 

Highlands, 

J.,    have    dis; 

peared    entir 

from      the 

worldly   haur 

The  pairhf 

not     been    S( 

in     A  1 1  a  n  t 

Highlands  sii 

tast     Tuesc 

night,      wl 

forced   to   lej 

the  Little  Wh 

House,  to  wh 

they    had 

.  paired      seve 

Aiu  >*  TT       .  .        years  ago   aj 

Albert  Houghton    haven  of  refi 

irTatt  from     a     gr 

storn^    predicted    by    Pratt,    ai 

their  failure  to  make  the  arrani 

payments  on  the  house.    . 

Ouija  Wins. 

About  five  years  ago  A.  Hou 
ton  Pratt,  director  in  the  firm 
Houghton,  Mifflin  &  Co.,  devo 
husband  of  the  daughter  of  Alf 
P.  Sloan,  millionaire,  met  Mi 
Parma,  a  student  of  trie  occult. 

The  need  for  a  sanctuary  wh 
the  spiritual  revelations  cauld 
received  .  properly  became  urg 
and  the  bungalow  on  the  Atlar 
coast  was  purchased,  Pratt  pay 
$1,500  as  an  initial  payment. 

Cupid  Trod  the  Occult. 

Heretofore  Mrs.  Pratt  had  t; 
the  occult  path  with  her  husba 
But  the  Sanctuary  of  the  Lord, 
Pratt  is  quoted  as  refeiTing  to 
bungalow,  must  have  strained  ] 
faith,  for  shortly  after  its  purchj 

SPA    RHaH    -fnT    f]\\7r\ynck      -n  o  tv>  i -n  n.    H/T. 


